Photo credit: @radford_creative_photo_video
Seattle’s 86 Miles is a testament to unity, dedication, and a steadfast belief in their place within the local music scene. The name is a nod to the arduous commute of their drummer, embodying the spirit of persistence that fuels their music. The band’s lineup reads like the cast of a noir novel: Xochil Squaglia (Last Great Fire) commands the vocals and keyboards, Chris Mirabueno (Crush On Molly, The Bluest Day) takes on bass and vocals, Pete Williams (The Bluest Day) handles guitar and vocals, Steve Graham (Laudanum) is on guitar and keyboards with additional vocals, and Brian Cito (Sofa Glue, The Bluest Day) pounds the drums. This ensemble didn’t form from want ads but through the alchemy of long-standing friendships and whispered recommendations.
Having firmly planted their flag in the fertile ground of the Pacific Northwest, 86 Miles is set to unveil their new self-titled EP. This release distills their unique blend of alt-indie pop, reminiscent of 10,000 Maniacs, The Sundays, Indigo Girls, and R.E.M. It’s a soundscape that honors the past while confidently stepping into the present.
The opening track, “Circle,” resonates with raw emotional turbulence, each note reflecting the bruising impact of harsh words on a delicate relationship. It’s a sobering meditation on love’s fragility and the hard-won lessons it leaves behind. In contrast, “Go” bursts forth with the bright, breezy exuberance of a perfect kiss-off tune. It’s an alt-pop gem that captures the carefree spirit of summer and the bittersweet liberation of moving forward.
“Prom” opens with the pathos of a ’60s girl group anthem, complete with heart-thumping drumbeats, before sliding into country-tinged R.E.M. harmonies. It’s an anthem of reclaiming power, or at least clinging to the hope of it, wrapped in layers of nostalgia and defiance. “One” channels the ’90s alternative vibe, with Squaglia’s vocals soaring above the harmonies and guitars, her voice echoing Kate Pierson’s with a sweet, cutting clarity. Her performance adds a refreshing effervescence, like a chilled seltzer on a sweltering day.
The album’s final track, “Broken,” is a potent torch song driven by piano and alt-rock sensibilities, dragging the confessional vibe of the ’90s into the spotlight. It recalls the raw, reflective spirit of Lisa Loeb and Indigo Girls, offering a stark reminder of those intimate, soul-baring sessions.
Listen to 86 Miles below and order here.
86 Miles self-titled EP, forged in sweat and sweet dedication, was cut at the storied Hall of Justice Recording Studio. The record was co-produced and engineered by Sam Rosson (Death Cab for Cutie).
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