As they near the 25 year mark their name has thrived even without an available record. With a short listen it's obvious why.
Featuring members involved in both the Punk & Skate scenes Contortion Session has achieved a Legendary status. Gather round, because this is their story.
Featuring members involved in both the Punk & Skate scenes Contortion Session has achieved a Legendary status. Gather round, because this is their story.
Contortion Session was born after a jam in 1985 at local Punk/Skate Rock band, Bark Hard's, practice space with George Grant(Vocals), Troy Chason(Guitar), Lee Leal(Bass), Ken Fillion(Drums), & Mark Murphy(Guitar). The idea of forming a band had been talked about, but nothing had come together until then.
The newly formed band soon decided it was time for a name, so they gathered in the Jam Room and the process began. They finally settled on the name Contortion Session, because it was the name of an article in Thrasher Skate Magazine at the time.
The newly formed band soon decided it was time for a name, so they gathered in the Jam Room and the process began. They finally settled on the name Contortion Session, because it was the name of an article in Thrasher Skate Magazine at the time.
"[We started Contortion Session because] We didn't want Bark Hard having all the fun!". - Lee Leal
Contortion Session made their debut opening for Dresden 45(which featured the well-known artist Uncle Charlie) at The International Club In Houston. It would become the first of many just within the year. Within a few months the band decided it was time to make it official, and make a record. They released their first and only released record, an untitled 3 song Demo tape.
The Track Listing is:
1. Tight Wad
2. Chemical Valley
3. The Reaper Awaits
The Demo clocks in at just over 5 minutes long.
The Track Listing is:
1. Tight Wad
2. Chemical Valley
3. The Reaper Awaits
The Demo clocks in at just over 5 minutes long.
The band started building their name playing many shows, especially with local friends, Bark Hard. They became heavily involved with the local skate scene, hanging around the old Zorlac crew and playing at events such as the Shut Up And Skate contests, and the NSA series.
Contortion Session logos and shirts were steadily becoming a regular fixture at local Punk Shows and Skate Spots. All the work helped to spread the word, "We're Contortion Session's and we're here to stay!".
Contortion Session logos and shirts were steadily becoming a regular fixture at local Punk Shows and Skate Spots. All the work helped to spread the word, "We're Contortion Session's and we're here to stay!".
1986 was an eventful year for Contortion Session as their presence had become apparent. They began playing alongside legendary names such as; 7 Seconds, D.R.I., Victim's Family, Corrosion Of Conformity, Samhain, Tex & The Horseheads, The Cro-Mags, The Faction, Descendents, and more.
Later in the year Contortion Session entered the studio record to their second record, this time a 10 song EP. However the finished record would never be released.
An unfortunate foreshadowing that the band was beginning to have troubles amongst themselves.
Later in the year Contortion Session entered the studio record to their second record, this time a 10 song EP. However the finished record would never be released.
An unfortunate foreshadowing that the band was beginning to have troubles amongst themselves.
George Grant
Near the end of 1986 George Grant decided to leave the band and move to Washington D.C.
After the move the band played shows with Bark Hard's Lead Vocalist Todd Prince, but the line-up didn't stick. Even though they never officially "broke-up" Contortion Session stopped playing shows, and slowly faded.
After the move the band played shows with Bark Hard's Lead Vocalist Todd Prince, but the line-up didn't stick. Even though they never officially "broke-up" Contortion Session stopped playing shows, and slowly faded.
"I was the only non native Texan in the bunch, and times got tough and I had to split" - George Grant(on leaving the band)
9:30 Club, Washington D.C.
However, soon after Contortion Session disolved, George reunited with Troy Chason and Lee Leal in D.C. to form a band called Memento Mori(Latin for "Reminder Of Death"), this time leaning towards a more metal-influenced sound. The band played a few shows at the legendary 9:30 Club among other local legendary venues.
They stayed together for a few years playing on and off, but by 1988 Memento Mori finally disbanded, thus taking the members of Contortion Session back to the south, and largely out of the music scene.
That is until recently...
They stayed together for a few years playing on and off, but by 1988 Memento Mori finally disbanded, thus taking the members of Contortion Session back to the south, and largely out of the music scene.
That is until recently...
By September of 2009 rumors had surfaced that Contortion Session was to do a reunion show, and the rumors were soon revealed as fact.
On October 24th Contortion Session played their First show in 22 years at the after-party to The Johnny Romano: Rock The Cradle contest at Mango's In Houston. They played for just under an hour. Their set included songs like: "Tightwad", "The Reaper Awaits", and even a cover of Bark Hard's "No Will Power".
Despite their personal claims of being "rusty" they received great response from the crowd, some remarking "It's just like back in the day!". The only difference being that Troy Chason had to take over Vocal duties in Grant's absence.
On October 24th Contortion Session played their First show in 22 years at the after-party to The Johnny Romano: Rock The Cradle contest at Mango's In Houston. They played for just under an hour. Their set included songs like: "Tightwad", "The Reaper Awaits", and even a cover of Bark Hard's "No Will Power".
Despite their personal claims of being "rusty" they received great response from the crowd, some remarking "It's just like back in the day!". The only difference being that Troy Chason had to take over Vocal duties in Grant's absence.
Contortion Session 2009. From Left to Right: Troy Chason, Ken Fillion, Lee Leal, & Mark Murphy.
George Grant is now living in the south again and when asked about rejoining the band Grant said he would "love to come down and do a Reunion Show with them in the near future". With Contortion Session back together, playing shows, and planning on releasing their 10 song EP along with some new material, things are looking good... It's just like old times.
A big thanks to Lee Leal, and George Grant for all their help!
Want to See More Contortion Session? You Can!
Interview with Lee & George Of Contortion Session
Contortion Session Live at Mango's October 24 2009 Videos
Contortion Session Mango's Show Review
Contortion Session Pictures at Mango's in the Photo Gallery
