[.ca] Killed For Less

beautiful:
This might sound silly, but this is the band that got me into punk. Sense Field was always more of a Pixies-esque type of band, but they were on the hardcore-punk label Revelation Records. In 1994, I was 16 and into Candlebox and Stone Temple Pilots. These guys were my first experience with "underground" music. And because of these guys and the ads in the CD I suddenly realized that there were weird bands called the Gorilla Biscuits and Bold and Quicksand and Inside Out and then onto Victory and Equal Vision and etc. They are the second best show I've ever seen (in a basement in a VFM in Mankato, MN in 1996...and that's behind Sunny Day Real Estate, which can't be beat.) As far as KILLED FOR LESS as an album goes... I think it is their best. The self-titled album doesn't really count because it is two EPs lumped together. Building is a close second. I'll be interested to see how Jon does in Further Seems Forever. To be honest, he seems too old to be in a trendy emo band like that. Maybe I'm wrong. I've met him twice and he's THE nicest guy on the planet...so I wish him well. Post-script: To me this has always been the weirdest band on the planet. Not because of their music, but because they were an indie band on a hardcore punk label in the 90's. And then with the slight commercial success in the early 2000's. And now with Jon in Further Seems Forver. So here's the weird closer: They are the Pixies if they were on a punk label. Even though the Pixies are WAY more punk than Sense Field. It's a paradox.

Worthwhile but Transitional:
I have always considered this Sense Field's "experimental" album and such a tag applies even more these days as their sound has become noticeably radio-friendly, especially to those whose first exposure to the band is the new album, "Living Outside". Don't get me wrong - I am still a big fan. I have been into these guys since their early demo songs as Reason To Believe. If you listen to "When Reason Sleeps, Demons Dance", the sole full-length record by RTB, the origin of Sense Field's sound becomes immediately apparent. Jon's trademark vocals and an impressive sense of melodicism are there in full force, propelled by a galloping hardcore tempo. When they first decided to continue on as Sensefield, stretching out their musical "palette" was the name of the game. Therefore, the first two EP's (the single CD reissue of which is often mistaken as Sense Field's first album) showcase a more eclectic vibe, and this aesthetic was continued into "Killed For Less". One noticeable thing is that on those releases Jon doesn't sing lead vocals on every song. And as an example of what I'm talking about, listen to the second track on "Killed For Less". It sounds as if it could have been recorded by an entirely different band! It is an enjoyable album, although I really wish they would remix and re-release it. The vocals are buried and the guitar sound is muddy and echoey on many tracks. Sense Field's sound greatly benefits from clear powerful production, as can be heard on their last three full-length recordings. The band really did hit their stride with the return-to-form "Building" which combined the passion and directness of Reason To Believe with the skills of a mature, experienced rock band. This manner of evolution has continued on through the latest album and it has been amazing and rewarding to witness. Viewing the genesis of Reason To Believe on through the present as one continuation (which it essentially is), "Killed For Less" can be seen as an interesting chapter - possibly a slight departure - in this musical entity's existence.

The album which has influenced me most in my entire life.:
I won't gabble on too much, but I was introduced to Sense Field by a friend in 1995, and they have been my favourite band ever since. I saw them live when they came on tour to England and it was the best gig I have ever been to. This band just rocks!

One of the five albums to bring to a deserted island.:
You can attribute this review to all the other reviews that I have read about Sense Field's album Building and the lack of reviews I have read for this album; Killed for Less. I won't go into detail about how or when I first heard this band, but I will simply give my opinion that this album is their best work. This is an album that you can honestly listen to thoroughly without fast forwarding or skipping a single song. Killed for Less, I would say, stays true to their original musical intent, it begins where their first album left off. Unfortunately it also ends that segment of their music, where their songs sounded original, fresh, melodically arranged, and damn it if they didn't rock! Their newer albums have most definitely been subjected to production and marketing strategies and the original flavor has been tainted by radio formatted songs and weaker lyrics and singing. If you are thinking about picking up Sense Field for the first time, I highly suggest this album above all their others, it truly is a stand alone masterpiece. If you currently know of Sense Field and you don't already own this album slap yourself across the face and then slap your credit card down on the counter.

• Today and Tomorrow
• Papercut
• Blue Glass Man
• Killed for Less
• Found You
• Futon
• Voice
• Soft
• Heather
• One from the Other Side
• Thought of Living
• Nothing Between Us
• Goodloveall
• Sage