The Coolest...

Okay, first of all, they have one of the coolest band names ever. Because you say to yourself, "Hey, cool name." Then you ask yourself why it's cool, and you just can't put your finger on it. Now _that's_ cool.*The Atomic Bitchwax* is a side project of *Monster Magnet* guitarist Ed Mundell, and it shows. The same understanding exists between the artist and the listener, that the band has a specific self-aware role to play, to rock without remorse, and the listener must trip along without reservation. This is what was there in the '60s, disappeared some time in the '70s, and was rediscovered by bands (and fans) like this. It's the same beautiful socal-suicide pact, but without the sometimes overpowering ominpresence of MM vocalist Dave Wyndorf. Don't get me wrong, I _love_ *Monster Magnet*, but *The Atomic Bitchwax* is a nice diversion. Call it a baggie of mushrooms to MM's acid trip.