When we first discovered Fort Not we were infused with that special conceit that music obsessives feel when they know of a thrilling artist of which most people aren't aware. But with their third full length now released, we are impatient for everyone to know just how good this Swedish band is. Their new album is titled You On Repeat. It's themes include bittersweet perspectives on relationships, with interesting and sometimes surprising wordplay. But the highlight is the music. For us, their brand of lo fi guitar pop is timeless, although music historians might nod towards the '90s. The solid rhythmic structure supports distorted and jangling guitars and earworm melodies. The band's sweet spot is expansive, encompassing slacker, power pop and sometimes a bit of country rock. The vibe is immediate, intimate and with just enough loose garage pop threads to let you dream that they are playing inside your living room. It is early in 2026, but I think this album will be on our yearly treasures list come December.
Fort Not are original members Robert Carlsson and Fredrik Soderstrom, joined by Philip Gates, David Hansson, Stefan Stromberg, and Joakim Bjornberg. You On Repeat is out now via Meritorio Records.
