Milwaukee's musical revolution began in 1999. That was the year local band 1881 was formed.

Twin brothers Erik and Brian Molstad, formerly members of Internal Use, joined forces with drummer Nathan Bellew and innovative synthesizer player Paul Duquesnoy to form the band, which takes its name from the year of Milwaukee's second industrial revolution.

The result is what the band calls an "intense electro-rock physio-fix" that takes root in such diverse influences as Faith No More, Morphine, Underworld and Herbie Hancock. It's an edgy, eclectic sound that is starting to shake the cobwebs of a local music scene dominated by cover bands and hippie jam bands.

Of course, a band with jazz influences must be capable of jamming a little bit. Erik Molstad says, "No show is the same." Duquesnoy presses the point further, saying, "Part of our show is improvising. We go for 20 minutes each show jamming with new material."

It's not all improvisation. When Erik Molstad starts writing a song, it all begins with a beat, then the band begins to collaborate on melodies. Soon the songs and lyrics begin to take a shape and form all their own.

"They are pretty introspective songs but at the same time they are meant to be a message," says Erik Molstad, "I think that whatever I feel and if it's really intense I usually think it's something that other people are experiencing. Every song has an identity."

Nine of those songs make up what the band feels is their biggest accomplishment to date, their self-released album "Brick and Mortar," which has been praised by critics and fans alike, praising their aggressive rock style and their uniqueness and originality.

Despite their success, 1881, as well as many other local bands, are recovering from a slow summer season dominated by a slow economy and another crazy festival season in which even their most loyal fans are distracted by Summerfest and State Fair. "It's rough for everyone right now," Erik Molstad admits.

Converting new listeners to their already large and loyal fan base isn't easy either in a town that is in love with cover bands.

"I always thought it as a kid that Milwaukee had a great music scene," Duquesnoy remembers. "My dad was in a cover band. They did great. That is what Milwaukee expects. They want to hear something they know, drink, and have fun. To listen to original music is taking a risk."

Brian Molstad adds, "If we were in a greater metropolitan area, there would be a greater number of people willing to try something new. It's a little difficult, but we have been around long enough, we have a good crowd, and we are strong enough as a band to see it through. Even though there is all this competition, as far as we're concerned, the more bands that recognized around here, the more we benefit."

To get their music out there, 1881 has used the Internet, namely mp3.com, as a tool to bring together a wider audience as they begin work on their new EP. "The songs have become a little less intricate and a little vibeier," Duquesnoy says.

For 1881, the revolution continues.

See 1881 at Club Anything, 807 S. 5th St., in Walker's Point, Thurs., Oct. 17 at 10 p.m.