Record Review: ‘Million Miles of Trouble’ – Jason and the Diatonics

It was a slightly nerve-racking first day at the Y57 radio station; I had just gotten a job as the new junior music coordinator and I was a touch too eager, arriving at the radio station early. My first mission: to be the official door opener for all the stuff going in and out of the station. That aside, I was designated to write music reviews, and it was a pleasant surprise when Jamie handed over the bright green cover of Jason & the Diatonics’ debut album, Million Miles of Trouble. Needless to say, it’s not very often I just get albums handed to me for free, so I was feeling pretty awesome.

You can’t help but smile when you hear the jazzy acoustic pop on this album. If ever you need a lift, this is the kind of music to listen to on repeat. They have a fresh sound that combines the musical dexterity of Joel Mohr and Erik Olson, lovely vocal harmonies of Jason Poulsen and Stephanie Olson, and (quite frankly) adorable and relatable lyrics.

If I had to pick favourites, I would say it’s a tie between ‘Love is a Cartoon’ and ‘Right Girl Wrong Girl’. My selections aren’t necessarily the ones with the deepest lyrics or the most complex riffs, but they are the songs that got stuck in my head straight away for their cheerful tone and catchy choruses.

If you’re tired of me going on about the optimism in this album, then ‘Freakshow’ (accompanied by ‘Freakshow Intro’,) sounds like your cup of tea. As a pianist, I love ‘Freakshow Intro’ for its focus on my instrument of choice; admittedly I got chills while listening to it, but maybe that’s just my keyboard withdrawal talking. The one-minute prologue starts quiet and eventually builds up to a complex and intricate mix of creepy sounds including ominous strings, eerie voices, and a few noises I can’t put my finger on. ‘Freakshow’ itself reflects a darker but no less energetic side to Jason & the Diatonics, and is definitely worth a listen.

To hear their music and give this band some love, head to their Facebook page or their website at www.jasonandthediatonics.com

Photos from the Jason & the Diatonics Facebook Page

About the Author: Phoebe Lim

This Burnaby North grade 11 student has a passion for all things art, whether it be drawing, writing, film-making, or music. On most days she's on her computer for longer than she sleeps, painting in Photoshop, watching Youtube videos, and surfing the net for new and exciting music to add to her ever-expanding mélange of songs. She also spends time sitting at her piano writing tunes for her imaginary band. If she's not doing these things, she's hanging out with friends, playing volleyball, and baking cookies with her younger sister.

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