The keen reader might recall Belgian forward-thinking outfit Fortress. Writing about ‘Holding On’ earlier this year, we declared it “immensely engaging and cinematic”. We stand by our words: balancing anthemic EDM elements with more intimate and wholesome leftfield/trip-hop tones, the talented trio crafts a sonic livery that’s relatable and enticing, yet personal and nuanced.
Catering to the sizeable fanbase they have already built, Fortress have recently unveiled an EP, ‘Chroma’, a record that seems to expand their references, perhaps leaving behind some of their club-oriented features in favour of a gloomier, more reflective sound. Operating under the guise of a synth-pop trio, Fortress also places a lot of attention on vocals, with the ethereal, dreamy guise of singer and producer Hanne Torfs sharing themes of memory, self-discovery, and longing – a perfect pairing for ‘Chroma’s poignant character.
Joppe Vanwetswinkel (keys) and Nils Tijtgat (bass) complete the talented lineup. Fortress seems to be particularly proficient during live shows, offering a peculiar audio-visual experience. An example of that is their new, self-programmed live show that wraps the listeners into an immersive, cathartic and futuristic listening experience.
Recommended! Discover ‘Chroma’ on Spotify: