Coming out of Phoenix, Arizona, Forts is an electronic alternative trio, igniting a fresh path for the genre. Formed by Mary Clare Clemons, also known as Mars, on vocals and production, Colton Jones on production and Isaiah Gutierrez on live drums, Forts is a sonic force crafting a truly original sonic output that takes cues from artists such as Phantogram, Grimes, Rezz, Linkin Park, Aurora and Deftones.
Over the years, they’ve left a lasting impression on the music scene, collaborating with major video games such as Arknights, League of Legends and even contributing as the voice behind the official PUBG Mobile theme song. Mars, the lead vocalist, has clocked over 75 million worldwide streams across various projects, earning acclaim from electronic legends like Above & Beyond, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Tritonal and Morgan Page.
As Forts, they made their entrance in 2020 with their debut single “The Dogs,” which they’ve followed up with multiple well-received singles and remixes, racking up millions of streams on Spotify alone. Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new single titled “Roman Circus,” a storming alternative rock anthem that showcases the calibre of their songwriting and immense power of their performance panache.
Opened by a laid back beat, the voice of Mars enters to spin a moody trip-hop-esque scene as the intensity of distant guitars and sonic textures builds up. With powerful interludes of vocal cries and pounding drum strikes, the song dips back down before building up to a ferocious eruption of punching drums and crunching guitars as Mars caps the song with soaring vocal leads that intricately blend screams and whispers.
Forts masterfully plays with dynamics, leading the listener through a sonic journey that rises and falls while keeping you hooked on every note. Switching up to a brooding ambient outro driven by rolling drums and floating sonic textures, they craft a hypnotic and immersive soundscape peppered with airy vocalisations and buzzy synth tones.
Taking aim at the phenomenon of burnout, incessant ads and the relentless onslaught of bad news, “Roman Circus” emerges as Forts’ sonic rebellion, distilling the frustration of a generation. Mars’ vocals, coupled with a provocative wit and attitude, become a therapeutic release, connecting with those navigating the challenges of the modern era via an unforgettable new track.
Listen to Roman Circus below
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