by Ed RivadaviaSolarized are a New Jersey four-piece founded by Jim Hogan on vocals and guitar and Regina Santana on drums, with Lou Gorra on bass and Pete Hauschild, also on guitar. All are veterans of the local stoner rock scene and their 1999 debut, Neanderthal Speedway, betrayed a strong Monster Magnet influence, actually featuring guest performances from certain members of that band. A split EP with their friends Solace, Jersey Devils, preceded their second effort, simply named Driven, which arrived two years later and introduced new members Dave Topolenski (guitar) and Mike Fiore (bass).