Van Pelt, a member of the band Think About Life, recorded all of the music himself for five songs, and then self-released an EP, "Watery Grave". In 2007, he released a debut album "Five Roses" under the name Miracle Fortress, on Secret City Records. The album received positive reviews, and was included on the shortlist for the 2007 Polaris Music Prize, which was ultimately won by Patrick Watson. Van Pelt recruited drummer Jordan Robson-Cramer of Sunset Rubdown and Magic Weapon, guitarist Jessie Stein of SS Cardiacs and The Luyas, and keyboardist Adam Waito of Telefauna to adapt "Five Roses" into a live show. This group made a cross-Canada tour in 2007. Nathan Ward, Adam Waito and Jessie Stein also took part in some of the shows.