Chaos Revolution Theory
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Chaos Revolution Theory

Madison, Wisconsin, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF

Madison, Wisconsin, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2010
Band Rock Alternative

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Chaos Revolution Theory - Wisconsin Stomp Rock"

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"

"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"

"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


"The Week - July 1-4 2011 - CD Release coverage"

"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


"The Week - July 1-4 2011 - CD Release coverage"

"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


"Chaos Revolution Theory with Free Moral Agents and 2Mex at The Frequency on Halloween"

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


"Isthmus Daily Page MadTracks review..."

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


"Isthmus Daily Page MadTracks review..."

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


Discography

2014- Who the Hell Knows Where We're Going?

 Straight ahead driving grooves and creative arrangements highlight this CD. Self recorded using analog recording techniques, and mastered by Mike Zirkel at Audio for The Arts, its a blend of old school garage and a more refined modern rock. From the haunting "Train" to the maniacal fever of "Soviet Summer", it will take you on a rock n roll ride. "It's all too heavy...I, I, I don't know"- 

2013- Against the Grain

Centered around CRT's acoustic recordings, the first half of the disc is a live acoustic performance from 2013. This groovy yet haunting show was recorded on Max Ink Radio while on location broadcasting from The Willy Street Pub in Madison, WI. The songs feature a full band including 2 double basses and additional guest guitar. The second half of the disc is a selection of CRT acoustic studio recordings. Some of the tracks are alternate mixes or remastered versions chosen by the band for "Against the Grain".

2012- Wisconsin Stomp Rock

This CD features collaborations with Pat Paterson, Subatomic, Venice Gas House Trolley, Tim Peters and Phil Kegley. Part acoustic and part electric, all attitude. Wisconsin Stomp Rock. "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 outr" -Sal Serio-Maximum Ink

2011 - Brainwash

Our 2nd CD "Brainwash" is up for Alternative album of the year in Madison. It is adventurous, dangerous, leathery, soft, and soaked in alcohol. No, seriously it is 8 songs we wrote during last year. Touring around and playing shows def. had a big influence on the tunes.

2010 - Sounds Like Hello EP

2010 - Counter Culture Redux

The band's debut CD Counter Culture Redux showcases their sound in 8 tracks that take the listener through a library of shredding riffs and driving rhythms, complete with in studio improvisation that harks of the late 60s, early 70s west coast progressive scene. Its interesting to note that, in fact, the record was recorded on analog tape and mixed on an analog console before ever converting it to digital format. This is not only uncommon in modern music, it adds to the raw, no trickery sound of the band, exemplified shamelessly on this recording. hard rocking songs with a uniquenessyou all do shine as a live band. - Alex J. Berry - RedGorilla Music

 

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Bio

Chaos Revolution Theory is a grungy combination of folk and progressive tones in a rock n roll style. "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

Band Members