Fort Lean

The indie rock band, Fort Lean, has quite a musical history behind them. From their numerous albums to outstanding tracks like 'Cut To The Chase', the band has never ceased to impress us.Gaining more and more popularity over time -- not only for their beats but also their thought provoking lyrics. It's almost impossible to have just one favorite song or album from the artist, with hits like 'Cheap Breakfast' it's difficult to pick just one with so many great songs to choose from!
A Look into Fort Lean's Musical Journey
Who hasn't felt like they needed a breath of fresh air in the genre of indie rock? Enter Fort Lean, a Brooklyn five-piece band whose sound can best be described as a refreshing musical escapade. Since their formation in 2011, the group has shown off their killer sound, earning a loyal following from indie rock lovers worldwide. Curious about Fort Lean's journey? Read on for a deep dive into their musical biography, their best songs, signature style, famous concerts, and a critic's take on their music.
Fort Lean was formed in 2011, by Keenan Mitchell (vocals, guitar), Zach Fried (guitar), Jake Aron (bass), Will Runge (synths), and Sam Hewett (drums). The band takes its name from a fort built by lead singer Keenan Mitchell's great-grandfather in the early 1900s. They quickly earned recognition from numerous indie publications, including Spin, Stereogum, The FADER, and Rolling Stone, the latter describing them simply as the next big Brooklyn band.
In 2013, the band released their debut EP Change Your Name, composed of five upbeat tracks showcasing the band's talent for catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. The EP's standout tracks included Beach Holiday and Sunsick, which immediately established the band as an indie band to watch.
Fort Lean's unique sound mixes classic rock influences with contemporary indie rock sensibilities. Their music style oscillates between punchy, electrifying instrumentals and heartfelt lyrical themes, which makes them both a fun and deeply relatable group to listen to. They have been compared to other indie bands like Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys. Still, their fans' consensus is that the band has a sound all of their own.
In 2016, the band released their debut album, Quiet Day, a record that Oceanianzine described as a perfect mix of sounds capable of amazing audiences worldwide. The album's release was followed by a US tour that had the band playing in iconic venues across the country, such as Bowery Ballroom and Webster Hall in New York City.
Fort Lean's concerts are an experience. According to fans who have attended their shows, the band's performances are full of energy, with Keenan Mitchell delivering powerful vocals, and the instrumentalists' talent for riffs and melodies sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their ability to catch an audience's attention and keep it has been described by various critics as a testament to the group's talent and passion for music.
Finally, we'll leave you with the best of Fort Lean's music. Fans have ranked Sunsick, the band's first successful single. Other top tracks include New Hobbies and Easily, which showcase the group's dynamic range of sound.
Thanks for joining us on a deep-dive into Fort Lean's musical biography. Their sound manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, catching the ear of indie rock fans worldwide. Their upbeat, lively sound, infectiously catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and dynamic performances are a perfect fusion of skill and passion. We invite you to give their music a listen, and find out for yourself why Fort Lean is described as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Brooklyn.