One of my favorite CDs. There really are no bad songs on this disc.
Jeff H. from ROYAL OAK, MI Reviewed on 12/20/2006...
Sense Field's Living Outside runs headlong into the heartbreak of young, jilted love with a clean, radio-friendly sound. Vocalist Jon Bunch and keyboardist/guitarist Chris Evenson have displayed a knack for penning catchy songs since 1994's Killed for Less debut. But the limited involvement of guitarist Rodney Sellars and the arrival of producer Brad Wood combined to prompt a move toward synth-pop for the band. Bunch’s sincere, somewhat fragile voice gets rock-star polish that's shown off in "Burn" and 'I Refuse." Less successful are "On Your Own," which comes dangerously close to Collective Soul-style alterna-product. Still, as their cover of the Cure’s "A Letter to Elise" implies, the record is infused with--and saved by--a retro kind of melancholy that's manifested most plainly in Evenson’s early Depeche Mode-like keyboard phrases.
CD Reviews
Ready to break out........
David Blevins | Chesapeake, VA | 11/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After the marginal success of 2001's "Tonight and Forever" with the help of the "Save Yourself" single, Sense Field proves they still got the glue that has kept them together for so long, even with guitarist Rodney Sellars on hiatus. Producer Brad Wood tweaks the knobs for a more polished sound, that may drive some listeners away, but proves just how good this band really sounds. "Living Outside" is a much darker disc than Sense Field fans may be used to but the unmistakeable eliqouent delivery of Jon Bunch's vocals more than make up for it. Opener "Burn" is sure to find it's a way onto many break-up mix tapes for it's lyrical content. The band reworks a version of "On Your Own" with a lesser edge then on the "Fun Never Ends" EP, and commits a stunning cover of The Cure's "A Letter To Elise". Sense Field retains their punk edge on "Memory" and "Take What You Want". As a bonus, long time fans will be delighted with the hidden track "The Horse Is Alive", this beautiful standout appeared on the unreleased record "Under The Radar" and many requests were made to hear this songs official release. Listeners will find themselves singing along to "I Refuse", "You Own Me" and "No Medicine" by their first spin. Detractors may claim that Sense Field has changed there sound, but "Living Outside" is a testament of a band that has grown together. (originally appeared on my zine www.facedownfall.com)"
A Must Buy!!!
Janet M. Arnold | Anderson, SC USA | 08/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've only known about Sense Field for a year now, but have to say they are one of my favorite bands. Their new CD is a must buy - their music is steadily improving over the years and I absolutely love I Refuse and Burn. There is also a hidden track on this CD that is fantastic - you will not be disappointed. Please give this one a chance - you will agree they are an awesome band!"
Outstanding Album + Amazing Live show = Brilliant Band ! ! !
Scott | OC California | 08/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been into the indie scene for quite sometime now and rarely does a band come along with such talent and enthusiasm. I first heard about Sense Field in 1994 when their "Killed for Less" CD came out. I have been a fan ever since. Well they just keep getting better. With each CD they progress as individuals and most importantly as a band. Plus unlike many other band they put on a awesome live show, which is very hard to do. All in all if you want to try something new, something a indie I would definitely recommend their new album "Living Outside"."
Good Pop Rock
JC | Albuquerque, New Mexico United States | 08/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I like Sense Field and their pop rock style. I find this CD much like Tonight and Forever with a slightly harder edge. I do not know what the Amazon.com reviewer is talking about, because the keyboards aren't much different than tonight and forever. There's some really great songs here including "Burn", "I Refuse", and "Take What You Want". The Cure cover is respectable as well. The one weak point is "On Your Own" which is dreadfully underachieving for this group."
Solid * * * 1/2
TheJukeboxLoser | jersey | 07/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Sense Field ive listened to since tonight anf forever. That album was finally tweaked combination of crafty arrnagements, punchy guitars, melodic vocals, and haunting melodies. Here the rev up the punchy guitars on songs like "no medicine". Else where the band channells ambient string pop rock in songs like "i refuse" and "feel what you feel". The synth pop channells through in songs like "burn" and "letter to Elise". The rest is modest combination of punchy punk rock-esque guitars over bland drums acompanied by Jon Bunchs urgent vocals. It loses some of its energy by the end with the dull "the haunting", but for the most part its pretty consistent pop rock"