The Atomic Bitchwax

Remember the good old days when rock bands would issue a live album, but they would tack on some brand new studio tracks as a bonus for their loyal following (à la Kiss' Alive II and ZZ Top's Fandango!)? The Atomic Bitchwax certainly do. On their fourth full-length overall, 2006's Boxriff, the group have combined four new studio tracks -- produced by none other than Mr. Jack Endino -- with a 13-track live set, recorded at Seattle's Sunset Tavern a year prior. The studio tracks are exactly what you've come to expect from the band -- stoner rock with gargantuan riffs and trippy sonics (especially on "Kiss the Sun"). And on the live material, the group gets to spread their wings, as evidenced by the manic "Force Field" -- which would certainly make Blue Cheer mighty proud. Too bad they don't make eight-tracks anymore. [Note - The 'Boxriff' CD also comes with a bonus DVD, which includes the Sunset Tavern performance.] ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide