The Universal Co-op

The classifications that The Universal Co-op carry are unlike other bands.The musicians used unimaginable techniques with their instruments. They are not out there to just play music, they want to affect people with it. Seeing them live feels like everybody has a sense of purpose behind their instrument and the end product is really for the people.
UNIVERSITY CHRONICLE/ST. CLOUD STATE - University Chronicle/St Cloud State

Mike coaxes sounds from the instrument that are completely foreign to the ears of most listeners. And while his arsenal of axes and foot pedals are focused on inventing otherworldly noise, its always in the context of great Pop songs. Along with bassist Chris Morrissey and drummer Steve Goold, the trio merges technical proficiency and experimentation with clever, literate songwriting. In other words, unlike so many restless prodigies, TBMB achieves Fusion without confusion. Even the vocals (a common Achilles heel for those overly-endowed instrumentally) are catchy and powerful.
CINCINNATI CITY BEAT - Cincinnati City Beat

Michels broader lyrical themes "Spread out and make some room/Wide open space to talk with you/And figure out what we can do" He sings on closing track "Better News " are given a tighter focus with layers of intricate guitar parts and seamless contributions by bassist Chris Morrissey and drummer Steve Goold. The three work together to create an airtight, forward-moving style of experimental rock that combines jazz riffs and feedback with more traditional styles like punk and pop. Michel says working with Morrissey and Goold came naturally, as the trio clicked the very first time they rehearsed together.
CITY PAGES - City Pages

Mike leads a band that takes his name, but he's no sensitive singer/songwriter. On the contrary, Mike fronts a good old-fashioned power trio that's not afraid to rock out. He debuts his terrific sophomore album,"Truce"-- named in the spirit of finding common ground in an election year.
SAINT PAUL PIONEER PRESS - Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Titled “Truce,” the disc is a post-election collection of songs that preach for cooler heads to prevail in these divided political times. Songs like the jittery, frantic opener “Make Peace” and the futuristic-funk romp “Start Thinking” nonetheless hit the mark musically, fueled by Mike’s frazzled, Radiohead-ian guitar playing and his bandmates Chris Morrissey’s and Steve Goold’s innovative rhythms.
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE - Minneapolis Star Tribune

The energy with which Mike (guitar, gizmos), Chris (bass), and Steve (drums) played their unusual musical creations, clearly improvising some of the individual particulars according to each musician’s spontaneous emotional whim, forced hapless listeners into a prison of musical engagement.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - University of Minnesota's Wake Magazine

The energy with which Mike (guitar, gizmos), Chris (bass), and Steve (drums) played their unusual musical creations, clearly improvising some of the individual particulars according to each musician’s spontaneous emotional whim, forced hapless listeners into a prison of musical engagement.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - University of Minnesota's Wake Magazine

A howling, spitting beast of a power trio, this outfit successfully walks a fine line between protest and a plea for universal understanding on Truce. Led by stand-out axeman Mike Michel and ably supported by bassist Chris Morrissey and drummer Steve Goold, this group establishes their rage for order right from the get-go. Opener "Make Peace" is a jumpy, urgent anthem for positivity with furious guitars and an absolutely gut-wrenching rhythm section that immediately captures the bands' musical and political message. - Around The Dial /Tom Hallett

An influential Minneapolis-based trio of provisional art and epic sounds has wrapped together a long-awaited second release, resourcefully titled “Truce,” put together like a title wave of Earth’s brightest colors exploring the universe through sound. The Bill Mike Band, comprised of the guitar necromancer and spellbinding vocalist Bill Mike, heart-pounding warlock bassist Chris Morrissey and dominating slam-master/witch doctor Steve Goold on drums. This team of mystical musicians have comprised an album of magical rock power to entice the likes of the late Harry Houdini or the mysterious stranger David Blaine. - Rift Magazine

The Bill Mike Band's sophomore effort, " Truce " received an honorable mention by The Onion for " Best Recording"!

http://twincities.decider.com/articles/the-best-in-minnesota-music-2008,1317/ - The Onion

Bill Mike (nee William Michel), resplendent in polyester double-knit track suit, wasted no time ensnaring the audience’s attention with his incredibly masterful guitar wailing with their opening song. Initially the cynic in me was prone to writing them off as another Black Rebel Motorcycle Club sound-alike, but I was quickly won over by Mike’s technical prowess, vocal ingenuity, and just plain “realness.”

The visual juxtaposition created by Bill’s just-left-the-gym apparel against bassist Chris Morrisey’s dapper, gentry suitings serve as a decent metaphor for the band’s symbiosis of glam and proletariat; fantasy and reality; and perhaps most strikingly, the perfect balance of restraint and showmanship exemplified by Bill Mike as a performer.

Enhancing the solid musicianship, a complete multisensory experience was created via liberal use of fog machines and a respectable light show (both of which were brought in by the band for this Cedar show), which somehow did not come off as at all trite or kitschy

At times the pervasive volume of fog seemingly spouting from the tips of drummer Steve Goold's sticks seemed to suggest that the drum kit was dangerously close to spontaneously combusting from the sheer energy being generated onstage. - How Was The Show/Live Review