the Big Wheel Stunt Show

Funny thing happened along the way. Thanks to the evolution of popular music, a whole generation of current rockers became dated faster than at any previous point in history. These days, if it doesn't include a Pitbull sample, a Casio keyboard line or even the remote chance of "going viral," chances are it's widely recognized as old-school - or at the very least fondly adorned with adjectives like "throwback" and "retro."

A band like the Big Wheel Stunt Show falls squarely into this category. And, sure, the Tacoma three-piece plays into it a bit, too. These guys are kind of old school. Guitarist and frontman Evan Nagle wears an American-flag shirt that looks straight out of Woodstock, and plays a searing early '70s guitar fit for any Townshend-eque, arena-rock wet dream. Drummer Justin Gimse and bassist Jake Melius share an affinity for jean jackets and the gargantuan rhythmic backbones of rock's glorious heyday. Plus, the band is no stranger to facial hair.

All the signs are there.

"Those guys were really solid, serious, hard-working, lunch-bucket musicians back then," says Gimse of the bands from the '60s and '70s the Big Wheel Stunt Show is often likened to as compared to the popular bands of today. "It makes me feel better hearing someone say, ‘That song reminds me of a Moby Grape tune,' or something."

"A lot of what's going on today, especially with major pop music, it's all processed bullshit. That's just what people's ear grows to understand - this processed, computerized music," says Nagle. "Any band that does anything more roots-y or down-to-earth gets labeled as old school. It's definitely today's music that helps people see us as more of a throwback."

Still, it wasn't long ago that a group of guys like the three that make up the Big Wheel Stunt Show wouldn't have been classified as much more than a meat-and-potatoes rock band from Tacoma. But the trajectory modern music has taken has somehow added a weight to their load. The Big Wheel Stunt Show isn't just a band; they're keepers of history.

And they don't seem to mind. Finalizing plans for a third full-length record - a concept album, according to Gimse and Nagle - the guys that make the band churn seem happiest to do what comes organically: laying down the sweat-pouring, guitar-driven rock with heavy and rotating nods to bands like the MC5, the Who, Joe Walsh and Grand Funk Railroad.

Most important of all, the Big Wheel Stunt Show does this in a live setting. With passion.

Whatever music critics or adjective-wielders want to call it is fine by them.

"We put together songs that if you don't know them, you're immediately going to check them out and start tapping your toe or rocking out a little bit," says Gimse. "We've got a very nice chemistry together, and on stage it meshes."

Together since April 2009 (with Melius joining the fold in August of '10), Saturday's Hell's Kitchen show will be the Big Wheel Stunt Show's first ever all-ages gig in Tacoma in two-plus years of service - a fact Gimse and Nagle are stoked about for several reasons.

"We've got a lot of friends who can make a show once in a blue moon, but often times they can't because they've got kids or whatever. So, finally we've got one," says Gimse of the all-ages show Saturday.

"I'm really excited about it. ... Little kids love to rock, man," says Nagle

One year after the release of the band's second full-length, Cheetah Milque - which even this clumsy scribe named "Best Straight Up Rock Record" in the Volcano's 2011 Best of Tacoma issue, referring to the band as "straight ahead," "throwback," and, yes, "old school" - Nagle says the Big Wheel Stunt Show has come into its own over the last 12 months, having found its sound and sweetspot.

"The bond that we have as friends and brothers in the band, that's the hugest part," says Nagle. "I can say for sure that as far as the sound goes, things have become a lot more dynamic."

"We've really tried to steer toward things that are going to get the audience moving. In the past year we've seen that more and more," says Gimse. "With our next album coming out, there are a lot of ass-shaking tunes on there, but it's still going to be a bad-ass rock record."

Expect nothing less. - Weekly Volcano

Funny thing happened along the way. Thanks to the evolution of popular music, a whole generation of current rockers became dated faster than at any previous point in history. These days, if it doesn't include a Pitbull sample, a Casio keyboard line or even the remote chance of "going viral," chances are it's widely recognized as old-school - or at the very least fondly adorned with adjectives like "throwback" and "retro."

A band like the Big Wheel Stunt Show falls squarely into this category. And, sure, the Tacoma three-piece plays into it a bit, too. These guys are kind of old school. Guitarist and frontman Evan Nagle wears an American-flag shirt that looks straight out of Woodstock, and plays a searing early '70s guitar fit for any Townshend-eque, arena-rock wet dream. Drummer Justin Gimse and bassist Jake Melius share an affinity for jean jackets and the gargantuan rhythmic backbones of rock's glorious heyday. Plus, the band is no stranger to facial hair.

All the signs are there.

"Those guys were really solid, serious, hard-working, lunch-bucket musicians back then," says Gimse of the bands from the '60s and '70s the Big Wheel Stunt Show is often likened to as compared to the popular bands of today. "It makes me feel better hearing someone say, ‘That song reminds me of a Moby Grape tune,' or something."

"A lot of what's going on today, especially with major pop music, it's all processed bullshit. That's just what people's ear grows to understand - this processed, computerized music," says Nagle. "Any band that does anything more roots-y or down-to-earth gets labeled as old school. It's definitely today's music that helps people see us as more of a throwback."

Still, it wasn't long ago that a group of guys like the three that make up the Big Wheel Stunt Show wouldn't have been classified as much more than a meat-and-potatoes rock band from Tacoma. But the trajectory modern music has taken has somehow added a weight to their load. The Big Wheel Stunt Show isn't just a band; they're keepers of history.

And they don't seem to mind. Finalizing plans for a third full-length record - a concept album, according to Gimse and Nagle - the guys that make the band churn seem happiest to do what comes organically: laying down the sweat-pouring, guitar-driven rock with heavy and rotating nods to bands like the MC5, the Who, Joe Walsh and Grand Funk Railroad.

Most important of all, the Big Wheel Stunt Show does this in a live setting. With passion.

Whatever music critics or adjective-wielders want to call it is fine by them.

"We put together songs that if you don't know them, you're immediately going to check them out and start tapping your toe or rocking out a little bit," says Gimse. "We've got a very nice chemistry together, and on stage it meshes."

Together since April 2009 (with Melius joining the fold in August of '10), Saturday's Hell's Kitchen show will be the Big Wheel Stunt Show's first ever all-ages gig in Tacoma in two-plus years of service - a fact Gimse and Nagle are stoked about for several reasons.

"We've got a lot of friends who can make a show once in a blue moon, but often times they can't because they've got kids or whatever. So, finally we've got one," says Gimse of the all-ages show Saturday.

"I'm really excited about it. ... Little kids love to rock, man," says Nagle

One year after the release of the band's second full-length, Cheetah Milque - which even this clumsy scribe named "Best Straight Up Rock Record" in the Volcano's 2011 Best of Tacoma issue, referring to the band as "straight ahead," "throwback," and, yes, "old school" - Nagle says the Big Wheel Stunt Show has come into its own over the last 12 months, having found its sound and sweetspot.

"The bond that we have as friends and brothers in the band, that's the hugest part," says Nagle. "I can say for sure that as far as the sound goes, things have become a lot more dynamic."

"We've really tried to steer toward things that are going to get the audience moving. In the past year we've seen that more and more," says Gimse. "With our next album coming out, there are a lot of ass-shaking tunes on there, but it's still going to be a bad-ass rock record."

Expect nothing less. - Weekly Volcano

"Big in their home town of Tacoma, Washington, Big Wheel Stunt Show have a sound big enough to rattle arenas and immediate enough to blow your skull off. Their global break-out starts here." ~CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE, London Oct 2011 - "When the Mountain Blows" Track #1 on Magazine "Sideshow CD" Insert. - Classic Rock Magazine - London

"Big in their home town of Tacoma, Washington, Big Wheel Stunt Show have a sound big enough to rattle arenas and immediate enough to blow your skull off. Their global break-out starts here." ~CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE, London Oct 2011 - "When the Mountain Blows" Track #1 on Magazine "Sideshow CD" Insert. - Classic Rock Magazine - London

Everything is falling into place for Big Wheel Stunt Show, the old-school power trio poised to become Tacoma’s hottest rock band with the release of its second album, “Cheetah Milque,” this weekend.

The band – singer-guitarist Evan Nagle, singer-drummer Justin Gimse and bassist Jake Melius – will unleash the new tunes on T-town Saturday with a CD release party at New Frontier Lounge.

But the trio has been building its cult since August 2009, blowing the doors off of Puget Sound venues with dynamic live shows and a soulful, pyroclastic sound that channels the heaviest rock sounds of 1968. Think the Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin.

“They’re the real deal,” raved Jason Flom, guitarist for local rock band Legend of Bigfoot. “There’s nothing fake about ’em, and they’re kind of a throwback band. (Seeing them) must have been what it was like to walk into a club in the mid to late ’60s to see the MC5, or maybe even the mid-’70s and seein’ Van Halen. Watchin’ Evan must be what it felt like watching Eddie Van Halen in 1975.”

“Their style is obviously a heavily ’70s-influenced free-form kind of style,” weighed in Jeff Hamel, singer-guitarist for Puyallup-based classic rock band Sweet Kiss Momma, an act that’s shared several bills with Big Wheel Stunt Show. “Evan squeezes some really incredible solos into their songs. I think each show is different because of it. They’re a band you can see more than once and still enjoy.”

A lot of the band’s appeal does stem from Nagle’s guitar heroics and spontaneous showmanship.

Be ready to snatch your pint glass out of the way on Saturday as he races down the bar, tearing into his raunchiest guitar solo.

“If I’m watchin’ a band and the guys come out and rock in my face and they can tell I’m feelin’ it, then we can basically feel it together and we’re both part of that show,” Nagle said, explaining his inspirations last week at the New Frontier. “It’s that energy workin’ together.”

“I’ve seen him climb all over things during shows while still playin’, jumpin’ all over things,” remarked band mate Gimse.

“He’s been on the bar here a few times. When I see this guy, he takes me back to the early ’90s (with) dudes on stage jumpin’ into the crowd and they’re still playin’. I didn’t know that was in ’em when I joined the band. Then suddenly it was – pow! – It’s like that? OK, awesome! ”

But the thing that has taken Big Wheel Stunt Show’s game to the next level has been the addition of Melius, who joined after his previous band, State of Murdoch, broke up six months ago.

The bad news for Big Wheel Stunt Show was that they lost “Bounty Hunter” and other set staples with the departure of previous bassist Stunt Show Mike. But the good news was that Melius’ melodic, jammy style of playing (he idolizes late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton) meshes better with Big Wheel’s classic rock aesthetic.

“He’s the best bass player around,” Nagle said. “Justin and I knew that. We had a great bass player at the time, but ... it’s like something sparked as soon as we got together with Jake.

“There’s always a new spark every couple of months. And we’re just like brothers, man.”

“We don’t play as many punk-type tunes any more,” Gimse added. “We like playing punk. But suddenly there’s new parts in the engine. It’s like, ‘Hey, this thing’s running differently. We can take this around for a stroll and into the back roads and see where it takes us.’

“We’ve stepped into a little more blues feel,” he added. “So we’re not reinventing the wheel – just sliced bread, puttin’ some butter on it.”

Check out the full video interview with Big Wheel Stunt Show along with clips from an intimate performance that followed a photo shoot at Supernova Hair Salon last weekend at blog.the newstribune.com/tacoma rockcity.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/25/1558962/poised-for-the-big-time.html#storylink=cpy - The News Tribune - Tacoma

Everything is falling into place for Big Wheel Stunt Show, the old-school power trio poised to become Tacoma’s hottest rock band with the release of its second album, “Cheetah Milque,” this weekend.

The band – singer-guitarist Evan Nagle, singer-drummer Justin Gimse and bassist Jake Melius – will unleash the new tunes on T-town Saturday with a CD release party at New Frontier Lounge.

But the trio has been building its cult since August 2009, blowing the doors off of Puget Sound venues with dynamic live shows and a soulful, pyroclastic sound that channels the heaviest rock sounds of 1968. Think the Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin.

“They’re the real deal,” raved Jason Flom, guitarist for local rock band Legend of Bigfoot. “There’s nothing fake about ’em, and they’re kind of a throwback band. (Seeing them) must have been what it was like to walk into a club in the mid to late ’60s to see the MC5, or maybe even the mid-’70s and seein’ Van Halen. Watchin’ Evan must be what it felt like watching Eddie Van Halen in 1975.”

“Their style is obviously a heavily ’70s-influenced free-form kind of style,” weighed in Jeff Hamel, singer-guitarist for Puyallup-based classic rock band Sweet Kiss Momma, an act that’s shared several bills with Big Wheel Stunt Show. “Evan squeezes some really incredible solos into their songs. I think each show is different because of it. They’re a band you can see more than once and still enjoy.”

A lot of the band’s appeal does stem from Nagle’s guitar heroics and spontaneous showmanship.

Be ready to snatch your pint glass out of the way on Saturday as he races down the bar, tearing into his raunchiest guitar solo.

“If I’m watchin’ a band and the guys come out and rock in my face and they can tell I’m feelin’ it, then we can basically feel it together and we’re both part of that show,” Nagle said, explaining his inspirations last week at the New Frontier. “It’s that energy workin’ together.”

“I’ve seen him climb all over things during shows while still playin’, jumpin’ all over things,” remarked band mate Gimse.

“He’s been on the bar here a few times. When I see this guy, he takes me back to the early ’90s (with) dudes on stage jumpin’ into the crowd and they’re still playin’. I didn’t know that was in ’em when I joined the band. Then suddenly it was – pow! – It’s like that? OK, awesome! ”

But the thing that has taken Big Wheel Stunt Show’s game to the next level has been the addition of Melius, who joined after his previous band, State of Murdoch, broke up six months ago.

The bad news for Big Wheel Stunt Show was that they lost “Bounty Hunter” and other set staples with the departure of previous bassist Stunt Show Mike. But the good news was that Melius’ melodic, jammy style of playing (he idolizes late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton) meshes better with Big Wheel’s classic rock aesthetic.

“He’s the best bass player around,” Nagle said. “Justin and I knew that. We had a great bass player at the time, but ... it’s like something sparked as soon as we got together with Jake.

“There’s always a new spark every couple of months. And we’re just like brothers, man.”

“We don’t play as many punk-type tunes any more,” Gimse added. “We like playing punk. But suddenly there’s new parts in the engine. It’s like, ‘Hey, this thing’s running differently. We can take this around for a stroll and into the back roads and see where it takes us.’

“We’ve stepped into a little more blues feel,” he added. “So we’re not reinventing the wheel – just sliced bread, puttin’ some butter on it.”

Check out the full video interview with Big Wheel Stunt Show along with clips from an intimate performance that followed a photo shoot at Supernova Hair Salon last weekend at blog.the newstribune.com/tacoma rockcity.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/25/1558962/poised-for-the-big-time.html#storylink=cpy - The News Tribune - Tacoma

Spanish to English Translation - "THE BIG WHEEL STUNT SHOW. Who are they? Three lads in Tacoma (Washington) that when you hear, you will not believe: Seventies rock reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin and Grand Funk Railroad ... made in 2011. Why do we recommend? Because they are brutal. It's clear. Furious guitar, heavy drums, hammer bass and a voice that freezes the blood. Jimmy Page feel envious if you come across them. Indispensable songs. They have two albums, the last, Cheetah milque, where you can listen to this madness, Puget blues:" - RollingStone Magazine- Spain

Spanish to English Translation - "THE BIG WHEEL STUNT SHOW. Who are they? Three lads in Tacoma (Washington) that when you hear, you will not believe: Seventies rock reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin and Grand Funk Railroad ... made in 2011. Why do we recommend? Because they are brutal. It's clear. Furious guitar, heavy drums, hammer bass and a voice that freezes the blood. Jimmy Page feel envious if you come across them. Indispensable songs. They have two albums, the last, Cheetah milque, where you can listen to this madness, Puget blues:" - RollingStone Magazine- Spain

Finally, another excellent concept album! I live for these, so without further ado Heavy Planet presents... Big Wheel Stunt Show and thier latest release Wonderful LIFE. Native to Tacoma, Washington this quartet combines the love for funk and traditional blues with a whole lotta soul. If you're looking for an operatic narrative that hits the lines with psychedelic rock, heavy blues, and a good dose of organ Big Wheel Stunt Show is your band and Wonderful LIFE is your album. The story is told from birth, beginning with the cry of our main character's infancy, through aging, alien abduction, and finally the after-life. Check out the video for Bad Thing below and get a copy here. - Heavy Planet Stoner Rock Blog

Finally, another excellent concept album! I live for these, so without further ado Heavy Planet presents... Big Wheel Stunt Show and thier latest release Wonderful LIFE. Native to Tacoma, Washington this quartet combines the love for funk and traditional blues with a whole lotta soul. If you're looking for an operatic narrative that hits the lines with psychedelic rock, heavy blues, and a good dose of organ Big Wheel Stunt Show is your band and Wonderful LIFE is your album. The story is told from birth, beginning with the cry of our main character's infancy, through aging, alien abduction, and finally the after-life. Check out the video for Bad Thing below and get a copy here. - Heavy Planet Stoner Rock Blog

When I last wrote about The Big Wheel Stunt Show, it was a review of their most excellent album Cheetah Milque. Shortly afterwards I found out they were hard at work on a brand new album. Well that album, Wonderful LIFE, is here now.

Wonderful LIFE is an album about birth, life, death, rock and roll, and drugs. Pretty much, the lifestyle portrayed by a lot of rock and rollers. The album even opens up to a sound byte of a baby being born. I’ve had more than ample time with this album. I couldn’t even tell you how much I listened to it but it was a lot. I love the classic rock sound. I can hear lots of sounds that seem to be influenced by and not limited to Pink Floyd, Thin Lizzy, and Mountain. Hell even “Jack’s Black Rainbow” has a distinctly 70's hard rock, Aerosmith-ish sound and feel to it. The structure of the album is almost like a rock opera similar to Tommy by The Who.

This is an album that anyone could easily pick and and get into right away. There’s plenty of highs, lows and lots of in betweens. The classic rock sound is second to none. Plenty of time and effort was put into this album, you can tell just by the way it’s written, the way it’s structured and the overall presentation of the album. It sounds fantastic. Hats off to the producers, they really knocked out a winner here. - The Soda Shop

When I last wrote about The Big Wheel Stunt Show, it was a review of their most excellent album Cheetah Milque. Shortly afterwards I found out they were hard at work on a brand new album. Well that album, Wonderful LIFE, is here now.

Wonderful LIFE is an album about birth, life, death, rock and roll, and drugs. Pretty much, the lifestyle portrayed by a lot of rock and rollers. The album even opens up to a sound byte of a baby being born. I’ve had more than ample time with this album. I couldn’t even tell you how much I listened to it but it was a lot. I love the classic rock sound. I can hear lots of sounds that seem to be influenced by and not limited to Pink Floyd, Thin Lizzy, and Mountain. Hell even “Jack’s Black Rainbow” has a distinctly 70's hard rock, Aerosmith-ish sound and feel to it. The structure of the album is almost like a rock opera similar to Tommy by The Who.

This is an album that anyone could easily pick and and get into right away. There’s plenty of highs, lows and lots of in betweens. The classic rock sound is second to none. Plenty of time and effort was put into this album, you can tell just by the way it’s written, the way it’s structured and the overall presentation of the album. It sounds fantastic. Hats off to the producers, they really knocked out a winner here. - The Soda Shop

I love a band that just gets better and better. It shows that their hearts are in it. It shows they care about what they are doing. And good Lord, this CD should be proof to anyone and everyone that The Big Wheel Stunt Show are in it to win it, as the kids say.

This is a remarkable step up and forward for these guys. First I have to say that addition of the keys as a permanent part of the band is a genius move. The keys are so well integrated into these songs that you would think they’ve been a part all along, when in fact they are a very new addition. The second comment I have is that the production by Kurt Bloch of Fastbacks fame is perfect. This is a band that is in their element on stage, and previous recordings have not quite captured that. On “Wonderful Life”, you get a sense of that immediacy that live performance brings you. I especially love the way all the vocals, lead and backing, are placed in the recording. They are warm and up front and you can hear the various harmony lines. Truly great recording and engineering.

“Wonderful Life” is the story of, well, a life. All of it flows together as a story so the lyrics are definitely worth a listen. The songs also stand apart and alone as well as individual songs, something not easily done. Many bands try this idea but do it in such a ham fisted way that even the overall flow of the album does not work.

The playing and songwriting on this album are just superb. There are many moments when your jaw will hit the floor, thinking “did they just pull off what I think I heard?” Evan Nagle’s voice is in fine, soulful form, his guitar playing is on fire. Justin Gimse’s drums are always right where they need to be, adding to each song and not detracting in any way. Jake Melius on bass is like a love child of Cliff Burton and John Entwistle, if men could have babies. And Andy Basinger on keys, the new guy, plays all the right stuff in all the right places.

Personal favorites on the album? How about track 2, “Bad Thing” a straight up raging rocker that gets right to the point. And then I’ll take “Situations”, a song that is seemingly ever changing in the way it is performed, and this recorded version captures the full essence of the talents and abilities of this band as they stretch it out and jam a little. And because I’m a sucker for a well written slow song, “To Believe In” just knocks me out.
But the entire album is stellar from start to finish. Sometimes I listen to an album and I think, “why the hell is THAT on here”, or something like that, and you know what I mean. There are none of those moments on this release. Do me a favor, no, do yourself a favor. If you are a fan of solid rock and roll, great jams that sound like they came from the 70’s, get your hands on this album. You will thank me.

- ODIN - The Ripple Effect

I love a band that just gets better and better. It shows that their hearts are in it. It shows they care about what they are doing. And good Lord, this CD should be proof to anyone and everyone that The Big Wheel Stunt Show are in it to win it, as the kids say.

This is a remarkable step up and forward for these guys. First I have to say that addition of the keys as a permanent part of the band is a genius move. The keys are so well integrated into these songs that you would think they’ve been a part all along, when in fact they are a very new addition. The second comment I have is that the production by Kurt Bloch of Fastbacks fame is perfect. This is a band that is in their element on stage, and previous recordings have not quite captured that. On “Wonderful Life”, you get a sense of that immediacy that live performance brings you. I especially love the way all the vocals, lead and backing, are placed in the recording. They are warm and up front and you can hear the various harmony lines. Truly great recording and engineering.

“Wonderful Life” is the story of, well, a life. All of it flows together as a story so the lyrics are definitely worth a listen. The songs also stand apart and alone as well as individual songs, something not easily done. Many bands try this idea but do it in such a ham fisted way that even the overall flow of the album does not work.

The playing and songwriting on this album are just superb. There are many moments when your jaw will hit the floor, thinking “did they just pull off what I think I heard?” Evan Nagle’s voice is in fine, soulful form, his guitar playing is on fire. Justin Gimse’s drums are always right where they need to be, adding to each song and not detracting in any way. Jake Melius on bass is like a love child of Cliff Burton and John Entwistle, if men could have babies. And Andy Basinger on keys, the new guy, plays all the right stuff in all the right places.

Personal favorites on the album? How about track 2, “Bad Thing” a straight up raging rocker that gets right to the point. And then I’ll take “Situations”, a song that is seemingly ever changing in the way it is performed, and this recorded version captures the full essence of the talents and abilities of this band as they stretch it out and jam a little. And because I’m a sucker for a well written slow song, “To Believe In” just knocks me out.
But the entire album is stellar from start to finish. Sometimes I listen to an album and I think, “why the hell is THAT on here”, or something like that, and you know what I mean. There are none of those moments on this release. Do me a favor, no, do yourself a favor. If you are a fan of solid rock and roll, great jams that sound like they came from the 70’s, get your hands on this album. You will thank me.

- ODIN - The Ripple Effect

Tacoma WA.'s hardest working band Big Wheel Stunt Show recently released their third full length CD titled Wonderful Life. Recorded in Seattle WA., at Egg Studios, produced, mixed and mastered by Kurt Bloch of the legendary Seattle band The Fastbacks The Big Wheel Stunt Show are firing on on cylinders with their latest effort.

Following up on their globally acclaimed second release Cheetah Milque the band along with Kurt Bloch entered Egg Studios early in 2012 on a mission to produce the best sounding BWSS CD to date. All business and totally dialed in the band recorded Wonderful Life in just under three days featuring 11 tracks (46 minutes) and contributions from a noteworthy list of local musicians.

Wonderful Life definitely stays true to Big Wheel Stunt Show's roots in blues-driven, up- tempo rock n roll while allowing fans to witness the growth and song writing maturity of the band. Evan Nagle (guitar), Justin Gimse (drums) and Jake Melius (bass) appease the gods of all that rock with their most recent offering amidst a sea of empty beer cans, broken guitar strings in the ever expanding wake of momentum left by Cheetah Milque.

Kurt Bloch (producer) found a way to capture the massive, gritty-raw, live sound of Big Wheel Stunt Show without sacrificing a shred of the bands pure musicianship brilliance. It sounds like a live album recorded with all the luxuries of a top notch recording studio.

Wonderful Life is something The Big Wheel Stunt Show and Kurt Bloch can be really proud of. You don't make albums like this unless you can't live without all the up's and downs of playing in a rock n roll band today. These guys love what they do and you can hear it every time they get together and plug in.

Chuck Berry to Black Sabbath, Stones, Cream and Hendrix , thats what I hear on Wonderful Life but with a definite and unique BWSS sound primarily delivered from Evan and Justin's vocals.

It's taken a while to actually sit down and write this review. Everytime I put on Wonderful Life, instead of writing I usually pick up my guitar crack open a beer crank up my Vox to 11 and start playing along to it. Great CD, personal favorite, "Jakes Black Rainbow (of Unicorn Death)", "School of False", Bud'Der", "The Lights-The Landing", screw it, every song rocks. Well done guys! - Blackhole Magazine NW

Tacoma WA.'s hardest working band Big Wheel Stunt Show recently released their third full length CD titled Wonderful Life. Recorded in Seattle WA., at Egg Studios, produced, mixed and mastered by Kurt Bloch of the legendary Seattle band The Fastbacks The Big Wheel Stunt Show are firing on on cylinders with their latest effort.

Following up on their globally acclaimed second release Cheetah Milque the band along with Kurt Bloch entered Egg Studios early in 2012 on a mission to produce the best sounding BWSS CD to date. All business and totally dialed in the band recorded Wonderful Life in just under three days featuring 11 tracks (46 minutes) and contributions from a noteworthy list of local musicians.

Wonderful Life definitely stays true to Big Wheel Stunt Show's roots in blues-driven, up- tempo rock n roll while allowing fans to witness the growth and song writing maturity of the band. Evan Nagle (guitar), Justin Gimse (drums) and Jake Melius (bass) appease the gods of all that rock with their most recent offering amidst a sea of empty beer cans, broken guitar strings in the ever expanding wake of momentum left by Cheetah Milque.

Kurt Bloch (producer) found a way to capture the massive, gritty-raw, live sound of Big Wheel Stunt Show without sacrificing a shred of the bands pure musicianship brilliance. It sounds like a live album recorded with all the luxuries of a top notch recording studio.

Wonderful Life is something The Big Wheel Stunt Show and Kurt Bloch can be really proud of. You don't make albums like this unless you can't live without all the up's and downs of playing in a rock n roll band today. These guys love what they do and you can hear it every time they get together and plug in.

Chuck Berry to Black Sabbath, Stones, Cream and Hendrix , thats what I hear on Wonderful Life but with a definite and unique BWSS sound primarily delivered from Evan and Justin's vocals.

It's taken a while to actually sit down and write this review. Everytime I put on Wonderful Life, instead of writing I usually pick up my guitar crack open a beer crank up my Vox to 11 and start playing along to it. Great CD, personal favorite, "Jakes Black Rainbow (of Unicorn Death)", "School of False", Bud'Der", "The Lights-The Landing", screw it, every song rocks. Well done guys! - Blackhole Magazine NW

This is the CD we have been waiting for from the Big Wheel Stunt Show camp! Not to say their first two releases are anything to turn your nose at. Quite the contrary. They were both excellent albums, but having been a fan of the Stunt Show and seeing them perform for a few years now I’ve been waiting for their recording to reflect their legendary live shows. “Wonderful Life” does just that.
The Big Wheel Stunt Show, if you haven’t seen them, is a force on stage and something that any true rock fan must witness. They are showmen extraordinaire and pound out a set that will leave you sweaty and rocked to the core.
Wonderful Life captures the growth of this band who continues to get better and better. It’s a concept album which can be a risky proposition but the boys pull it off in stellar fashion. In my opinion a successful concept album tells a continuous story through out all the songs, however each song can stand alone, separate from the overall story line. “Wonderful Life” does just that. It’s great to see the lyrical and musical growth from these guys. It leaves me excited for future projects from them. Everything is right about this CD. It’s a story about life, plain and simple. The story line draws you in and keeps you interested from one track to the next. The production and recording on this CD is fantastic. Leaning on Kurt Bloch for this project was definitely the right move.
While I recommend you listen to this CD in it’s entirety some tracks that stand out as must additions for your listening pleasure would be “Bad Thing”, “Don’t Mind Ya” and “Milque and Honey”. Channeling some of the great rock bands from the late 60's and 70's you can’t help but nod your head and rock along with these tracks. You’ll swear you hit a time warp and woke up at The Fillmore circa 1971. Funky grooves from the bass line from the school of John Entwistle , pounding drums reminiscent of Keith Moon and guitar work that is soulful, dizzying and electrifying! Big Wheel Stunt Show may be a current, local band but you’ll swear they were dropped here by the music god’s to remind us of what rock and roll use to be, what it started out as and how it should be done!
I can’t recommend this CD enough. It should be a mandatory addition to your collection if I had my way. And do yourself a huge favor. Get out and catch these guys live!
Darrell Fortune
nwczradio.com
The Northwest Convergence Zone - NWCZ RADIO - The Northwest Convergence Zone

This is the CD we have been waiting for from the Big Wheel Stunt Show camp! Not to say their first two releases are anything to turn your nose at. Quite the contrary. They were both excellent albums, but having been a fan of the Stunt Show and seeing them perform for a few years now I’ve been waiting for their recording to reflect their legendary live shows. “Wonderful Life” does just that.
The Big Wheel Stunt Show, if you haven’t seen them, is a force on stage and something that any true rock fan must witness. They are showmen extraordinaire and pound out a set that will leave you sweaty and rocked to the core.
Wonderful Life captures the growth of this band who continues to get better and better. It’s a concept album which can be a risky proposition but the boys pull it off in stellar fashion. In my opinion a successful concept album tells a continuous story through out all the songs, however each song can stand alone, separate from the overall story line. “Wonderful Life” does just that. It’s great to see the lyrical and musical growth from these guys. It leaves me excited for future projects from them. Everything is right about this CD. It’s a story about life, plain and simple. The story line draws you in and keeps you interested from one track to the next. The production and recording on this CD is fantastic. Leaning on Kurt Bloch for this project was definitely the right move.
While I recommend you listen to this CD in it’s entirety some tracks that stand out as must additions for your listening pleasure would be “Bad Thing”, “Don’t Mind Ya” and “Milque and Honey”. Channeling some of the great rock bands from the late 60's and 70's you can’t help but nod your head and rock along with these tracks. You’ll swear you hit a time warp and woke up at The Fillmore circa 1971. Funky grooves from the bass line from the school of John Entwistle , pounding drums reminiscent of Keith Moon and guitar work that is soulful, dizzying and electrifying! Big Wheel Stunt Show may be a current, local band but you’ll swear they were dropped here by the music god’s to remind us of what rock and roll use to be, what it started out as and how it should be done!
I can’t recommend this CD enough. It should be a mandatory addition to your collection if I had my way. And do yourself a huge favor. Get out and catch these guys live!
Darrell Fortune
nwczradio.com
The Northwest Convergence Zone - NWCZ RADIO - The Northwest Convergence Zone

Big Wheel Stunt Show
Wonderful LIFE
Self-released
July 20

I often wonder what it would have been like to be a teenager in the '60s and '70s. Instead of rock legends like Led Zeppelin or The Rolling Stones gracing my fictional vinyl collection, I had Good Charlotte and Blink-182 on Enhanced CD. Instead of Woodstock, I had Warped Tour. I never galavanted through flower patches on LSD, kissing strangers and falling in love with clouds -- I streamed a live performance of Childish Gambino on YouTube while checking my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Yes, we live in a different time. A decade centered around Skrillex, drive-thru coffee and iPhone rumors. That doesn't mean the heart of gut-bustin, crying guitar solos and bluesy-rock has been forgotten, however. Tacoma foursome Big Wheel Stunt Show have revived a gritty, raw sound that pours the heart and soul of major rockers before them: Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd. It's all there, wrapped around 11 songs of slow, heartfelt melodies, angelic guitar riffs and fast, fluent drums.

"To Believe In," my personal favorite, chills with the passion of a song that knows just how good it is. Slow, crisp hi-hat, free-flowing guitar and fierce, pining vocals -- I can't get enough. What's best is the intelligence and musicianship behind each song. It takes talent to learn the songs that defined a genre. It takes heart to carve your own niche.

Of course, not all is rose colored in the land of BWSS. "Wonderful LIFE" is puzzling at best and does nothing more than eat up 1:06 of album space. It's fun, quirky and playful, and even features a crying baby and a few seconds of candid whistling ... but what are we being set up for? It's not like this is a light-hearted record full of booty shaking. A lot of this is really serious stuff. Regardless, the blotches on Wonderful LIFE are pointless footnotes at best. Skip the first song and revel in the other 10. That's what I've been doing doing for a week.

But hell, what do I know? I already admitted to owning a Good Charlotte CD. - Seattle Weekly

Big Wheel Stunt Show
Wonderful LIFE
Self-released
July 20

I often wonder what it would have been like to be a teenager in the '60s and '70s. Instead of rock legends like Led Zeppelin or The Rolling Stones gracing my fictional vinyl collection, I had Good Charlotte and Blink-182 on Enhanced CD. Instead of Woodstock, I had Warped Tour. I never galavanted through flower patches on LSD, kissing strangers and falling in love with clouds -- I streamed a live performance of Childish Gambino on YouTube while checking my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Yes, we live in a different time. A decade centered around Skrillex, drive-thru coffee and iPhone rumors. That doesn't mean the heart of gut-bustin, crying guitar solos and bluesy-rock has been forgotten, however. Tacoma foursome Big Wheel Stunt Show have revived a gritty, raw sound that pours the heart and soul of major rockers before them: Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd. It's all there, wrapped around 11 songs of slow, heartfelt melodies, angelic guitar riffs and fast, fluent drums.

"To Believe In," my personal favorite, chills with the passion of a song that knows just how good it is. Slow, crisp hi-hat, free-flowing guitar and fierce, pining vocals -- I can't get enough. What's best is the intelligence and musicianship behind each song. It takes talent to learn the songs that defined a genre. It takes heart to carve your own niche.

Of course, not all is rose colored in the land of BWSS. "Wonderful LIFE" is puzzling at best and does nothing more than eat up 1:06 of album space. It's fun, quirky and playful, and even features a crying baby and a few seconds of candid whistling ... but what are we being set up for? It's not like this is a light-hearted record full of booty shaking. A lot of this is really serious stuff. Regardless, the blotches on Wonderful LIFE are pointless footnotes at best. Skip the first song and revel in the other 10. That's what I've been doing doing for a week.

But hell, what do I know? I already admitted to owning a Good Charlotte CD. - Seattle Weekly

The first concert I ever attended was blues guitarists Johnny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Pier in Seattle. The second was The Who, on their final three-member tour-bassist Jon Entwistle passed a few days before their next attempt to play the Gorge on the band's subsequent jaunt.

The third concert I attended was AC/DC. The album was Stiff Upper Lip, and the venue was the Tacoma Dome. It was awesome. But the real significance to that particular show was this: it was my first concert without a parent. My mom wasn't dragging me along, as with Lang and Guy. My friend's father wasn't playing escort as with The Who. We were standing in Tacoma, getting our asses rocked off for two hours, with nary a parental authority in sight.

It was formative. There are far too many people who would be ashamed to say they liked something as fundamentally shallow and conventional as AC/DC, but I'm not one of them.

I think this is part of why I've grown to love Big Wheel Stunt Show. They don't sound like AC/DC, per se. They have a little more energy than the Aussies' relentless groove, and a little more of a punk rock, grungy tinge. But on some level they occupy the same headspace within the dark bowels of my musically eccentric brainpan.

They live in the same world of repeating guitar riffs, wading pool lyrical depth-the last track on their new record Brand New Bag is called "Douche Me," for example-and spasmodic guitar solos.

My first experience with BWSS, at the Squirt show in November, saw me as one of maybe 10 people standing around the old Hell's Kitchen while singer/guitarist Evan Nagle wailed on his knees in the middle of the floor. It was kind of sad, frankly. But such is the lot of the Thursday night opener. Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel only fared moderately better this time around.

The new Hell's Kitchen sports two giant speaker cabinets built into the front of the stage - optimally placed for guitarist leaps - and they saw their fair share of activity at Nagle's hands. Or feet. Whatever. The bottom line is headliner Big Wheel Stunt Show brings a large enough audience to really appreciate this level of showmanship.

I was fortunate enough to receive Brand New Bag for perusal on Monday, and it's struck a bit of an odd chord with me. For one thing, a little bit of the edge to the guitars is lost, as often happens, thanks to the compression of the record. Somewhere in that tonal difference the band come out sounding like Long Winters half the time, which isn't bad so much as it doesn't communicate what the live show ends up being like.

What a BWSS show ends up being like is Rock Music. Really good Rock Music. And if you've been reading my columns over the last few months, you know how I feel about Rock Music. (Hint: I like it. I like it a lot.)

Big Wheel Stunt Show is rolling off to Austin for a few SXSW shows, but they'll be back in town for an April 2 Java Jive show with my last article target, 10 Miles of Bad Road.

Go forth and become rocked.

http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/music/live-reviews/2010/03/Big-Wheel-Stunt-Show-live-tacoma-music - The Weekly Volcano - by Joe Izenman

The first concert I ever attended was blues guitarists Johnny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Pier in Seattle. The second was The Who, on their final three-member tour-bassist Jon Entwistle passed a few days before their next attempt to play the Gorge on the band's subsequent jaunt.

The third concert I attended was AC/DC. The album was Stiff Upper Lip, and the venue was the Tacoma Dome. It was awesome. But the real significance to that particular show was this: it was my first concert without a parent. My mom wasn't dragging me along, as with Lang and Guy. My friend's father wasn't playing escort as with The Who. We were standing in Tacoma, getting our asses rocked off for two hours, with nary a parental authority in sight.

It was formative. There are far too many people who would be ashamed to say they liked something as fundamentally shallow and conventional as AC/DC, but I'm not one of them.

I think this is part of why I've grown to love Big Wheel Stunt Show. They don't sound like AC/DC, per se. They have a little more energy than the Aussies' relentless groove, and a little more of a punk rock, grungy tinge. But on some level they occupy the same headspace within the dark bowels of my musically eccentric brainpan.

They live in the same world of repeating guitar riffs, wading pool lyrical depth-the last track on their new record Brand New Bag is called "Douche Me," for example-and spasmodic guitar solos.

My first experience with BWSS, at the Squirt show in November, saw me as one of maybe 10 people standing around the old Hell's Kitchen while singer/guitarist Evan Nagle wailed on his knees in the middle of the floor. It was kind of sad, frankly. But such is the lot of the Thursday night opener. Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel only fared moderately better this time around.

The new Hell's Kitchen sports two giant speaker cabinets built into the front of the stage - optimally placed for guitarist leaps - and they saw their fair share of activity at Nagle's hands. Or feet. Whatever. The bottom line is headliner Big Wheel Stunt Show brings a large enough audience to really appreciate this level of showmanship.

I was fortunate enough to receive Brand New Bag for perusal on Monday, and it's struck a bit of an odd chord with me. For one thing, a little bit of the edge to the guitars is lost, as often happens, thanks to the compression of the record. Somewhere in that tonal difference the band come out sounding like Long Winters half the time, which isn't bad so much as it doesn't communicate what the live show ends up being like.

What a BWSS show ends up being like is Rock Music. Really good Rock Music. And if you've been reading my columns over the last few months, you know how I feel about Rock Music. (Hint: I like it. I like it a lot.)

Big Wheel Stunt Show is rolling off to Austin for a few SXSW shows, but they'll be back in town for an April 2 Java Jive show with my last article target, 10 Miles of Bad Road.

Go forth and become rocked.

http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/music/live-reviews/2010/03/Big-Wheel-Stunt-Show-live-tacoma-music - The Weekly Volcano - by Joe Izenman