The Movielife comprised vocalist Vinnie Caruana, bassist Phil Navetta, guitarist Brandon Reilly, drummer Evan Baken, and guitarist Alex Amiruddin. (Future Taking Back Sunday guitarist Ed Reyes was a founding member, but left before anything notable was released.) Forming on Long Island in 1997, the punk revivalist, hardcore-influenced quintet soon went from basement shows to self-releasing its first LP, It's Go Time. A heavy tour load followed, further spreading the word. This Time Next Year was then issued in late 2000 through Revelation, but while on tour to support the record, the Movielife's van crashed, causing minor injuries and mental anguish.