Wasn’t expecting a lot with a name like that, much less when the sound of a country twang hoved into ear view. Thankfully though I wasn’t as trigger happy on the delete function as normal and the Ascetic Junkies began to work their undoubted yet understated charm. The Portland band are onto their second album ‘The Cage Has No Bottom’ (out mid next month) and the 3 songs I’ve heard from it are all such fine jamborees. ‘Get What You Want, Get What You Need’ is especially huggable, the kind of tune the Waltons could have lapped up if they hadn’t been such squares. Elsewhere the tuneage (‘Water From Wine’ being a fine example) aren’t quite as country but still manage to pack the requisite charm to sweep you onto the sawdust. KD

The Ascetic Junkies - Get What You Want, Get What You Need

The Ascetic Junkies - Water From Wine

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Ascetic Junkies
Year: 2010