by Ed RivadaviaThough the hard rocking movement which has been baptized as stoner rock has been growing exponentially for many years now, only a few bands such as Monster Magnet and Kyuss have achieved major label distribution or any mainstream success. Officially, the Atomic Bitchwax is only a side project, but their self-titled debut is very impressive, offering adventurous extended jams (The Formula) as well as frenetic blasts of energy (Hey Alright). Guitarist Ed Mundell might be a team player at his day job with Monster Magnet but he takes over here, displaying great versatility and chops - especially on a manic rendition of his idol Tommy Bolin's Crazed Fandango.