Chaos Revolution Theory

I recently caught a live set by local Madison band, Chaos Revolution Theory, and was immediately struck by their bipolar mix of loose/casual “just plug in and go for it” attitude, with a tight, telepathic synergy shared by the three band members. I knew this was a band I should be giving some press to…attention in the way of fly-by-the-seat-of-my pants narrative regarding their latest CD, “Wisconsin Stomp Rock”.

This title is somewhat ironic, since CRT guitarist Nick Stanecki’s swampy reverberated riffs and sexy slide work portray the vibe of musicians from further down south. Maybe Wisconsin swamp rock fits better, to my twisted sensibilities?

This truly is not your typical rock/metal type release. While I find the CD to go down very smoothly as a whole, there are some moments worth individual note. Bowed bass and vibraphone on “Deep” add a sinister intrigue to the already eerie, menacing, slower tempo and ominous lyrics. Although in a different musical mindset, many of these songs leave a Nick Cave or Tom Waits impression via a certain sense of outré, or possibly like if you combined an expressionistic film (say “The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari”) with some weird kinky southern rockabilly akin to the True Blood TV show theme. - Maximum Ink Magazine

"Chaos Revolution Theory is the perfect mix of groove, funk and progressive rock... music that seems like it could fit on the ipod playlist or record shelf of anyone who simply enjoys music." - Maximum Ink Magazine

"Chaos Revolution Theory is the perfect mix of groove, funk and progressive rock... music that seems like it could fit on the ipod playlist or record shelf of anyone who simply enjoys music." - Maximum Ink Magazine

"Combining rock, grunge and some proggy jams as loud as they are epic, Madison's Chaos Revolution Theory bring it at their live performances." - Isthmus Daily Page

"Combining rock, grunge and some proggy jams as loud as they are epic, Madison's Chaos Revolution Theory bring it at their live performances." - Isthmus Daily Page

Posted by Matt Jacoby on 10/06/10 • Categorized as Recent News

Madison’s own Chaos Revolution Theory, fresh on the heels of their critically acclaimed new CD and a successful Seattle tour, will be sharing the stage with Mars Volta side project Free Moral Agents this Halloween at The Frequency in Madison. Free Moral Agents features keyboardist Ikey Owens and is currently on the Dead Hand Control Tour with 2Mex. Chaos Revolution Theory is a grungy mix of folk and prog tones in a hard rock style. They are also known for extensive live jams when the moon is right. “It doesn’t get any more live and loud than that!” raves Z104 WMZK “Homegrown” host Ken.

The Frequency Presents:
Chaos Revolution Theory with Free Moral Agents, 2Mex, and Lite-Skinded
Sunday October 31, 2010
$7, early show 8pm start
The Frequency 121 W. Main St. Madison, WI 53703
- Local Sounds Magizine

MadTracks: 'The Way It Goes' by Chaos Revolution Theory
Jessica Steinhoff on Friday 08/13/2010 10:00 am

“Not to be a bummer, but we are all gonna die,” says Nick Stanecki, guitar player and vox man for Madison rock trio Chaos Revolution Theory.

It’s a true statement, but one many people would rather avoid dwelling upon. After all, thinking about death leads to big questions, and that can be stressful -- even overwhelming -- for some.

Well, Stanecki and his bandmates have a solution: Let the subject go for now and, when you’re ready to broach it, redefine death as letting go, too.

“It's actually liberating to let go of all that ties you to earth, society, obligation and schedules,” he says. “All that stuff, all that money, all that worry and weight to carry around doesn't really matter in the big picture. We are sometimes too easily trapped by our own mental walls.”

Don’t worry: This isn’t a suicide note or an invitation to drop off the grid. It’s a reflection about “The Way It Goes,” a song on the group’s forthcoming album, Counter Culture Redux.

The track begins with a slow, minor-key groove featuring a ringing guitar, subtle cymbals and vocals that might be mistaken for those of Axl Rose -- in one of his more introspective moments.

As it turns out, this moment is the calm before the storm. Less than a minute into the tune, the guitar latches onto the off-beats, giving the tune a hint of reggae for several seconds. Pretty soon, Stanecki’s vocals crescendo to a growl, the cymbals start crashing and the band rocks out to the grisly theme they established in the first few bars: waiting patiently for the hour of death.

“I guess we all like the dark and curious moodiness of the tune,” says bassist James Giesen. “And it's a fun song to play,” adds drummer Ryan “The Beat” Bestul.

But the song is more than just an ode to darkness, according to the band. It’s a tribute to analog recording methods, which Chaos Revolution Theory used to create a raw, unpolished sound throughout the album. And it’s about infusing life with purpose and a commitment to changing at least some of the things that are wrong with the world.

“For us, [the song] represents a strong anti-apathy thread that runs through our music and [our] lives outside of the band as well,” Stanecki says.

Check out the tune and see if it quells your apathetic impulses as well. - The Isthmus Daily Page

MadTracks: 'The Way It Goes' by Chaos Revolution Theory
Jessica Steinhoff on Friday 08/13/2010 10:00 am

“Not to be a bummer, but we are all gonna die,” says Nick Stanecki, guitar player and vox man for Madison rock trio Chaos Revolution Theory.

It’s a true statement, but one many people would rather avoid dwelling upon. After all, thinking about death leads to big questions, and that can be stressful -- even overwhelming -- for some.

Well, Stanecki and his bandmates have a solution: Let the subject go for now and, when you’re ready to broach it, redefine death as letting go, too.

“It's actually liberating to let go of all that ties you to earth, society, obligation and schedules,” he says. “All that stuff, all that money, all that worry and weight to carry around doesn't really matter in the big picture. We are sometimes too easily trapped by our own mental walls.”

Don’t worry: This isn’t a suicide note or an invitation to drop off the grid. It’s a reflection about “The Way It Goes,” a song on the group’s forthcoming album, Counter Culture Redux.

The track begins with a slow, minor-key groove featuring a ringing guitar, subtle cymbals and vocals that might be mistaken for those of Axl Rose -- in one of his more introspective moments.

As it turns out, this moment is the calm before the storm. Less than a minute into the tune, the guitar latches onto the off-beats, giving the tune a hint of reggae for several seconds. Pretty soon, Stanecki’s vocals crescendo to a growl, the cymbals start crashing and the band rocks out to the grisly theme they established in the first few bars: waiting patiently for the hour of death.

“I guess we all like the dark and curious moodiness of the tune,” says bassist James Giesen. “And it's a fun song to play,” adds drummer Ryan “The Beat” Bestul.

But the song is more than just an ode to darkness, according to the band. It’s a tribute to analog recording methods, which Chaos Revolution Theory used to create a raw, unpolished sound throughout the album. And it’s about infusing life with purpose and a commitment to changing at least some of the things that are wrong with the world.

“For us, [the song] represents a strong anti-apathy thread that runs through our music and [our] lives outside of the band as well,” Stanecki says.

Check out the tune and see if it quells your apathetic impulses as well. - The Isthmus Daily Page