In Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland," the narrative captures a sense of nostalgia for a time when the band played in secluded valleys, areas that remained largely undiscovered except by a handful of real-estate developers. These locations, characterized by their potential for future growth, were mere crossroads at the time, hinting at the inevitable transformation they would undergo.

The author reflects on the dynamic between nature and the impending urbanization, suggesting that as the area develops, it will inevitably lead to an increase in various human struggles. This tension between pastoral life and the encroaching reality of development underscores the themes of change and conflict present in the book.