Fortunes TX – Southeast Mindset: The Sound of San Antonio Survival
San Antonio hardcore has always had a swagger all its own—equal parts bounce, grit, and blue-collar aggression—and Fortunes TX embody that attitude in its purest form on their new EP, Southeast Mindset. Across three unrelenting tracks, the band doesn’t just showcase heaviness—they deliver a raw reflection of where they come from. It’s a project steeped in regional pride, pain, and purpose, built on the kind of grooves that could only be born in South Texas heat.
From the first seconds of “Snatching Souls” (featuring Barbarian TX), Fortunes TX make it clear they’re not interested in subtlety. A short, cutting sample and a blunt “fuck you” set the tone before the track detonates into a swampy, bass-heavy assault. The guitars grind low and loose, the bass distorts until it feels like the floor’s shaking, and the vocals sound like they’re being screamed through clenched teeth. The mix is grimy and unpolished by design, allowing every element to blur together into a wall of chaos that feels alive. It’s the kind of song that sounds best when you can smell the sweat and concrete around you—a pure pit anthem for San Antonio’s diehards.
“Underdog Mentality” picks up right where “Snatching Souls” leaves off, channeling that same street-level fury but with a sharper edge. The riffs flirt with crossover thrash, speeding up just enough to show off the band’s range before slamming back into that signature Texas bounce. It’s aggressive but measured, full of attitude and intent. The callouts hit hard, and you can hear the pride in every word—a reminder that this isn’t just music for the scene; it’s music from it. Fortunes TX wear their roots openly, representing the underdogs who’ve built something out of nothing.
The EP’s emotional peak comes with “Smile Now, Cry Later” (featuring Will to Live), a song that turns inward without softening its blow. It’s a heavy, grief-soaked tribute to fallen friends and the weight of loss, carried by a slower, more deliberate rhythm. The band lets the track breathe, allowing the sorrow to seep through the aggression rather than hiding it. The vocals—unpolished, unfiltered, and almost desperate—hit like a gut punch. When the final hip hop sample fades in, its somber tone doesn’t just close the song; it ties the whole EP back to San Antonio itself, a city where pain and pride walk hand in hand.
What makes Southeast Mindset stand out is its authenticity. It’s short, direct, and soaked in atmosphere, but never feels rushed. Every song has intent, every riff serves the story. The production’s grime works in its favor, emphasizing that this is hardcore made by and for the people living it—not overproduced, not sanitized, just real.
With this EP, Fortunes TX join the ranks of Texas hardcore acts who understand that heaviness isn’t just about breakdowns—it’s about attitude. They channel their environment—the heat, the struggle, the loyalty—into something tangible. Southeast Mindset isn’t just a record; it’s a snapshot of a thriving local scene and a testament to what happens when a band fully embraces where they’re from.
Raw, heartfelt, and built for the pit, Southeast Mindset proves that Fortunes TX have more than just riffs—they’ve got identity. For anyone craving hardcore that feels lived-in, unfiltered, and brutally honest, this is essential listening.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Snatching Souls (Ft. Barbarian TX)
Smile Now, Cry Later (Ft. Will to Live)