Miracle of 86

Miracle of 86 are a band best known for their second album, Every Famous Last Word, which is available for streaming and purchase on major platforms. Less known is their first LP, The Miracle of 86, and the EPs and splits that came before it, especially the Stages 7" they released under the name Delusion. Delusion's second seven inch, Teenage Unity, was re-released under their new name (and the title track made part of an Emo Diaries compilation), but the first wasn't.

The Miracle of 86 is an interesting listen because on a track-by-track basis it veers between true midwest emo and emo pop that wouldn't be out of place on the much poppier second album. Songs like "Two-Color Pattern" and "Red 19" aren't far away from sounding like excerpts from a more polished The Power of Failing, while "Surprise Me" could have easily been saved for Every Famous Last Word. The band's pop leanings would gradually push out most of the midwest emo, or at least the rawer sounds inherited from that genre. This is why, despite my appreciation for the band's later work, The Miracle of 86 is my favorite release from them.

For download, I've made available Miracle of 86's early discography, from 1995 to the release of the first LP in 2000.

Miracle of 86: Early Discography, 1995-2000