We get something of a Big Lebowski vibe from this funny and poignant new video, directed by Beau Parlor, from Los Angeles’ own Fortress Social Club:
True to their name, the group formed in 2012, when the newly opened Fortress recording studio in downtown Los Angeles offered Shawn Harris (vocals/chromatic harmonica) and Mykul Lee (guitars) the opportunity to test out their collection of vintage recording equipment. The band began as a loose collection of over 20 musicians, using the studio after hours. Recording a handful of self-proclaimed “summer-of-love-fantasy rock and roll” songs, the result was the analog tape-saturated Grando EP that was released earlier this year.
As the project started performing and recording live, Fortress Social Club’s lineup solidified as a sextet including Harris and Lee as well as Harris’s sister, Jo Harris (vocalist, Hammond B3, Mellotron), Johnzo West (lead guitarist) and Justin “Bird” Andres (bassist). The six come from an extensive background in music, including recording and touring with such established artists as The Matches, Maniac, Billy Ray Cyrus, Oh No Not Stereo, and The Bellrays.
The group’s forthcoming full-length, Dreamin’ The Life was released last week. Learn more about Fortress Social Club.
