Tom Minor's "Bureau of Change" Review

I was impressed the first time I heard Bureau of Change by Tom Minor. This is a song that I wasn't expecting to find myself laughing in the middle of. I unexpectedly found myself smiling at my speakers without a moment's thought. I don't happen to get that very often.

The song begins in one style and continues to alternate. First it's an indie rock guitar sound. Then it turns into a bit of Latin. From then on it seems like a two step. I thought it would take on a style, but it doesn't.

I think that's what the song is going for. It is like it is poking fun at those who talk about progress and letting everyone else down. I don't normally listen to songs with a message, but this one doesn't feel heavy. It comes across more like a quiet smile than a lecture.

I replayed it as I was washing up and caught myself dancing a little while holding a tea towel. That was when I knew the song had stuck with me. It wasn't just another track that I listened to once and forgot about later.

The production is a bit rough and homemade, appropriate for the song. Nothing feels too polished or well planned out. It's like a bunch of friends who know exactly what they want to do without worrying about making it perfect. They get a horn part in or an odd key change out of nowhere because it sounds good.

I've been mulling it over whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, on the bus, in the shower, etc, this week. The tune doesn't stick in my mind, it's more like the beat and the lyrics. It's more about the song and the way it moves, the restless energy.

I even gave it a go to a friend but ended up humming bits of it. I wasn't doing a very good job. At first she shook her head at me as if I had lost my mind, but after hearing the song herself she understood what I was saying.

A song that veers around like that typically doesn't keep me listening long. This one did. Perhaps it's because, despite the changes, it seems sincere. All the fun is there, and there's a real sense of frustration. I think it's because I keep returning to it even if I'm not actively searching for anything new.