SESSIONS

John Fielding has been contributing to the 905 music community most of his life. Starting out in punk bands like Out of Options and Bombing Neverland, he would build self sustaining communities around his projects that would draw hundreds of people. A reliable booking for any venue. 

An equally minded business man, John continued to write, record and perform his own music and later found himself producing many local acts. His knack for production ended up bringing him to California, then landing executive positions in many prominent Canadian record labels. 

However, don't let the corporate job titles fool you. John is a pop-punker through and through and his new band Session is a testament to his love and understanding of the genre.

LISTEN TO SESSIONS

 SESSIONS S/T (2023)

TRACK LISTINGS

Sessions - Vol 1 (Released June 28, 2024) Review: Sessions is comprised of four longtime buds who have played in a bunch of different punk bands over the years - Out of Options, Bombing Neverland, The Spicoli, Aitch, etc. Their seven song debut EP “Vol 1” is a self released collection of pop punk bangers that were written around the time of the Covid lockdowns with no ambitious expectations from the band. 

The production of Vol 1 is lights out with its modern and rich sounding mix. This is not surprising as John Fielding (Sony Music ) has his name all over this release. The album kicks off with the title track, "Vol 1", and is larger than life with its epic vocal arrangements, piano parts and build up. If intended to be an intro, it does seem a bit disconnected transitioning into the next track "Sorry, Not Sorry" which is arguably the standout offering. 

The abundance of vocal harmonies and trade offs on lead vocal duties is what makes this album special and its on full display during this track. John’s vocals are melodic and dare I say reminiscent of the best moments of Senses Fail. 

Vocal duties are split 50/50 with the darker and sometimes moody vocals of Brandon Pascoa. His vocals on "Eat Your Tail" features arguably the album’s biggest chorus and has a nostalgic Ataris feel to it. The drum parts are well thought out which keep the songs interesting. The track "Kool-Aid" even switches things up with a dance beat. 

The pace of the record is steady although I wouldn’t mind hearing how this band might sound occasionally navigating through faster tempos. Additionally, there are just enough skatepunk riffs here to leave space for the vocals to shine while still sounding exciting. Try listening to this without catching yourself softly banging your head along to the melodies. If it’s not for the big choruses, the lead guitar riff on "Pretend" will surely do it.

 Overall, Vol 1 is a solid debut for these Toronto buds and sets the bar high for whatever is next. They can hang their hats on this release with confidence knowing that their experiment will be well received. Recommended listens: Sorry not sorry, Eat your tail, Pretend 

SHARING IS CARING