British Sea Power, David Bowie, Gang of Four, I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness, Lansing-Dreiden, Moving Units, The Police, Queens Of The Stone Age, The Rapture, Wire
"It's easy to think of the Bureau as a throwback to darkly melodic new-wave bands of yore. In truth, the Bureau takes moody, synth-based rock & roll and infuses it with a heavy dose of sharp-cornered post-punk and austere robo-rhythms. We Make Plans in Secret delivers on the promise of the band's debut EP by framing Mike Cracchiolo's expressive, octave-spanning vocals with retro keyboard bleeps and lush synth pads, while the rhythm section maintains a propulsive, carbon-based energy."
-Christian Schaeffer, Riverfront Times
"Bureau vocalist Mike Cracchiolo plays dominant basslines, the type that can devour listeners and force them to follow the rhythm's every whim. He also sings in a vulnerable baritone, recalling Martin Gore's emotional authority (but not austerity). This dapper quartet also stocks its songs with keyboard counter-melodies, stuttering drumbeats, piercing lead guitar and shadowy harmonies."
-Andrew Miller, Riverfront Times
Maybe someday they'll talk about the other guys, huh? HA HA SUCKERS.
Here's some more embarrassing info:
-"We Make Plans in Secret" nominated for Best Local Release (self-released), Riverfront Times Music Awards 2008
-"We Make Plans in Secret" named among the top ten local album releases of 2007 by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Riverfront Times
-Nominated for Best Rock Band, Riverfront Times Music Awards 2007
-Best Indie Rock Band (Popular Vote), St. Louis Music Awards 2006
-Best Electronic Band, Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis 2006
Here is a list of some bands we've played with who are more successful then we are, compiled in an effort to impress "industry types": A Place To Bury Strangers, Delta Spirit, Devotchka, Femme Fatality, Holy Fuck, Men Women and Children, Riddle of Steel, So Many Dynamos, the START, Unwed Sailor, VHS or Beta
I can say, without exaggeraion, that the Bureau has brought me the rock like no other band. Thanks again for a great weekend from Columbus. If I read tomorrow that Detroit exploded, I'll know why.
We changed our sound recently too. Come to Cicero's this Tuesday the 4th. We'll be performing Chet Baker's favorite songs. Well, maybe not, but I wish we were. So maybe there's no 'my funny valentine' but we've got a couple new songs about hidden dressing room cameras...
There are those who believe that the bureau has scientifically blended sound in order to cause unsuspecting listeners to dance in a radical fashion. I am one such believer.
We're playing Cicero's tomorrow night (12/18). 9 PM, w/ Absentstar and Mid August Night. I've decided to draw my influence for this show from Gary Numan's 1984 album, Berserker...lots of white clothes...blue lipstick.
Hi guys---thanks for being our friends. It's hard being the new guys in town. Hopefully you can make it to our show on Monday at the Way Out Club. yeah.
