Bringing a vibrant dose of nostalgia mixed with modern-day pop innovation, Los Angeles-based duo MOVIESTARZ have officially dropped their long-awaited debut album “FANTASY > REALITY”. Reviving the raw energy of the MySpace-era scene while injecting it with hyperpop and Y2K flair, the album is now available to download and stream across all major platforms. This acts as the follow-up to the sixth single release, titled “1.M FREQUENCIES“, which featured Cali Rodi.
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The duo—made up of best friends Tyler Nichols and Alex Pombar—have spent years perfecting their sound. Their debut album is a melting pot of genres, blurring the lines between EDM, pop-rock, and experimental electronic music. Throughout “FANTASY > REALITY”, MOVIESTARZ explore the euphoria and chaos of digital-age escapism, all wrapped up in their trademark mix of attitude and emotion.
The record features a number of standout tracks, including “WONDERFUL HORRIBLE”, alongside collaborations with artists Cali Rodi and Darrian Gerard. Each song serves as a unique snapshot of the duo’s artistic vision—a technicolour soundtrack that celebrates imperfection, creativity, and pure fun. We also had the honour of interviewing the duo after the release of their sophomore single “INVITED“, where they talked about creating their debut album, going on to say:
There’s something for everyone musically we have more dance-leaning tracks, one that’s more straightforward pop punk/rock, and one full-blown 100 gecs-type hyper pop song.
MOVIESTARZ speaking in our exclusive interview.
Speaking on the release, Tyler Nichols shared: “I’ve been chasing music for two decades, and we spent the last two years making the absolute best music we can. We didn’t post any content, no updates, just kept our heads down and had a ton of fun and made the best possible thing we could make. We took influence from so many genres we love it feels like I’ve wrapped up my whole life of inspiration and put it into these 12 songs. I’m so proud of this body of work, and cannot wait for everyone to hear it.”
Echoing that sentiment, Alex Pombar added, “This MOVIESTARZ album is the best and most refreshing batch of songs we have ever done. There’s so many different moods on this album that I think anyone can get into. We got a little bit of every genre on here, and it can be treated as an art collection.”
Across the record, MOVIESTARZ balance humour and heart with impressive precision. Singles like “1.M FREQUENCIES” featuring Cali Rodi and “RECORDS ON REPEAT” show off their pop sensibilities, while the explosive “INVITED” and their debut track “CLUB PUNK” lean into playful Y2K aesthetics. Meanwhile, double releases “CHAOS IN THE MAGIC” and “TEAR THIS APART” dive headfirst into hyperpop territory—melding sugary hooks with glitchy production for a sound that’s chaotic in the best way possible.
The album kicks off with debut single “CLUB PUNK”, introducing MOVIESTARZ’s infectious pop-rock sound, drenched in nostalgic ’00s energy. Rhythmically transporting listeners back to that era while blending in fresh, modern production, the duo clearly know how to draw in their audience. Vocally, the track leans into an indie-rock hypnotism as the lyrics paint a cynical portrait of fame, contrasting the dream of stardom with the nightmarish reality of debt, exhaustion, and superficiality in celebrity culture.
That’s followed by “INVITED”, a track that leans into a harder rock vibe with undeniable Wheatus influences wrapped around an electronic-pop rhythm. Back in May, we called it “easily an anthem for the introverts”, and that description still rings true—the lyrics express a deep-seated disillusionment and a recurring urge to turn down social invitations, portraying the scene as deceptive and emotionally draining. Flowing perfectly from the opener, the duo once again showcase their talent for blending genres, creating catchy, genre-fluid rhythms paired with passionate vocals and lyrics that feel instantly relatable.
The third track, “ON MUTE”, sees the duo venture into a more experimental electronic-pop-rock sound that’s both diverse and deeply heartfelt. The soulful energy of the backing track drives the narrative, showcasing their seamless blend of genres, while the vocals inject flair and raw emotion. Exploring themes of mental pressure and suicidal ideation, the lyrics capture a sense of being trapped in an endless game—one that the narrator wishes could be paused or silenced to find relief. About two-thirds of the way through, the track builds into a defining instrumental section that layers ’90s rhythms with modern electro textures and an undercurrent of ’00s pop-rock—the kind of fusion that makes you want to replay it instantly.
“RECORDS ON REPEAT” follows, opening with hard rock before evolving into rhythmic pop-rock as the first verse introduces honest and heartfelt vocals. As the song progresses, the backing track stays firmly in the present, evoking a 5 Seconds of Summer vibe. Meanwhile, the vocals channel that Wheatus sound from the ’00s, with Tyler Nichols unlocking Brendan B. Brown energy as he implants the hook into our minds. Alex Pombar delivers layered, polished production that evolves into an unforgettable experimental finale. Lyrically, it captures the ache of a fading connection, as the repeated line “I’ll still have your records on repeat” becomes a haunting reminder of the narrator’s inability to move on from someone who no longer feels the same.
Track five, “1.M FREQUENCIES” featuring Cali Rodi, is a progressive pop-rock song opening with Rodi’s vocals, adding fresh texture. On the second line of the first verse, she harmonises with Tyler Nichols, hinting at what’s to come later. Almost time-machine-like, it transports listeners to the heart of late ’00s pop-rock, amplified by a heartfelt chorus that hits deep inside. When released last month, we called it “an intoxicating ’00s trip we’ve all been waiting for,” and it remains true. Through celestial metaphors and frequency imagery, it conveys the ache of disconnection and the hope someone, somewhere, is listening.
Following next is “HEATSTROKE”, with Alex Pombar flawlessly delivering electro-pop rhythms layered with guitar and drums, showcasing the duo’s skill. Tyler Nichols brings a deeper current to the first verse, his vocals delivering an underground indie tone that resonates with listeners. The lyrics explore going broke and chasing fantasies, with the chorus serving as advice to avoid making the same mistakes. MOVIESTARZ deliver an inspiring, poignant track that’s destined to become a fan favourite.
The seventh track on the album is “THE RUSH”, a solid pop-rock song blended with gentle ballad elements and electro vibes, crafted with focus and sincerity. The song’s title contrasts with its gentle pacing, adding intrigue, as the duo questions life’s hurried pace and societal pressures. Through the repeated lyric, “What’s the rush?” the track urges listeners to slow down, stop worrying, and trust in love. Warm and heartfelt, with flawless emotional vocals from Tyler Nichols, this is a standout track impossible not to be drawn into.
“LISTENING” opens with hard guitar chords, the rhythm soon joined by crashing drums and Tyler Nichols’ strong vocals. Alex Pombar’s production creates a fleshed-out ’00s rock energy reminiscent of blink-182, +44, Good Charlotte, and Fall Out Boy. Lyrically, it features a detached narrator who admits to not listening, keeping their partner’s secrets, and exploring themes of romantic hesitation and unexpressed thoughts. In the second half, the rock elements intensify, shifting into a harder vibe akin to As December Falls, Linkin Park and Foo Fighters, with brief electric guitar flourishes adding extra depth.
Track nine, “CHAOS IN THE MAGIC,” elevates the album with its tech-rock energy. Back in June, we said it “evokes memories of late-’00s British band Amy Can Flyy, but with a contemporary twist.” With crisp 8-bit energy and modern EDM flair, the track quickly becomes irresistible, carrying a soft spot that’s hard to ignore. Lyrically, it repeats the phrase, “There’s chaos in the magic”, while touching on tragic events and superstition, reflecting disorder within life’s brighter moments.
Following its single partner, released together as a duo, comes “TEAR THIS APART”. MOVIESTARZ explore a darker, introspective sound with a soaring blend of experimental pop, glitch-pop, and hyperpop, underscored by 8-bit accents and Tyler Nichols’ emotional vocals. As we noted in June, the song has “a steady, almost addictive rhythm layered into the backing track,” adding to its wholehearted energy. Lyrically, it captures conflicting feelings of love and hate, creating an emotional duality that resonates deeply.
Track 11, “WONDERFUL HORRIBLE”, begins with the rhythmic 8-bit energy carried over from the previous track before evolving into a fully fleshed-out, ’00s-inspired pop-rock song. The instrumentation builds gradually, layering punchy guitar riffs and driving drums that give the track both energy and warmth. With an addictive flow and heartfelt vocals, it’s bound to capture listeners’ hearts, drawing them into the emotional depth of the song. Lyrically, the track reflects the clash of feeling wonderful and horrible, touching on fleeting friendships, the passage of time, and the challenges of growing up, while ultimately affirming that life goes on despite its ups and downs.
The final track on the album is “EIAEID,” featuring Canadian pop-rock artist Darrian Gerard. Opening with a defining pop rhythm and Tyler Nichols’ compelling vocals, it gradually builds into pop-rock reminiscent of early-2000s Avril Lavigne. In the second verse, Gerard delivers passionate vocals that lead to harmonising beautifully with Nichols on the chorus. Pop-rock drums drive the backing track in the second half, and both vocalists shine with honesty throughout. Lyrically, the track reflects on the end of a relationship, capturing uncertainty, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of another person, while questioning if it was all just a fantasy. A perfectly ironic closing, as MOVIESTARZ take us through their fantasy, yet leave us with the reality of their music.
Beyond the music, “FANTASY > REALITY” extends into a wider creative world. The release coincides with a limited merch drop under the duo’s fashion label, Newport Bleach, allowing fans to connect with the MOVIESTARZ universe through both sound and style. The album itself will also receive a limited vinyl pressing later this year—300 copies only—on striking coke-bottle green vinyl (which sounds totally awesome and something we need in our lives).
To celebrate the record, MOVIESTARZ are hosting a special visual listening party pop-up at Gallery Sonder in Newport Beach, California, on December 6, 2025. The event will feature exclusive art prints from each single and a full stop-motion visual experience by UK-based artist Bill Green, known as @handsoutofpockets.
Produced by The Fund, “FANTASY > REALITY” stands as a genre-bending debut that captures the spirit of an era while looking boldly toward the future. With 12 tracks of boundless creativity, MOVIESTARZ are proving that fantasy can, indeed, become reality.
For those who grew up on early-2000s pop culture—or anyone ready for something excitingly unpredictable—this is an album that demands attention. MOVIESTARZ are not just revisiting the past; they’re reimagining it for 2025—and if our exclusive interview was anything to go by, 2026 is set to see them drop more new music in the lead-up to a possibly-confirmed second album (check out our exclusive interview to find out more).
“FANTASY > REALITY”, by MOVIESTARZ, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Bleach Records.
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