Fort Lean

The members of Brooklyn-based indie rock quintet Fort Lean first met in Connecticut at the liberal arts school Wesleyan University. Guitarist Zach Fried, bassist Jake Aron, and drummer Sam Ubl initially formed a band on their first day of school with singer/guitarist Keenan Mitchell and keyboardist Will Runge joining a few years later. Reconvening in New York, Fort Lean began in earnest in 2011 with the release of their self-titled, self-released debut EP. Presenting a mix of jangly, melodic art pop and subtly psychedelic textures, they followed up a year later with a second EP called Change Your Name. Their two indie releases were well-received critically and they began opening shows for bands like HAIM, Future Islands, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. After signing with Brooklyn indie Ooh La La Records, they delivered their full-length debut, Quiet Day, in early 2015. ~ Timothy Monger