HIGHROAD No. 28 - "Ache"

 

Australian alternative rock outfit Highroad No. 28 return after well over a decade with their haunting new single “Ache”, released via The Orchard (Sony Music). The track blends emotionally raw vocals with cinematic guitars and brooding bass lines, capturing the ache of memory and longing.“Ache” is the first single from their upcoming third album, The Will to Endure, marking a darker, moodier, and more mature phase for the band. Recorded at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne and mixed by James Taplin, it combines intricate melodies, emotive vocals, and dynamic instrumentation.We’d love for you to give it a listen — it’s available on all major streaming platforms, and a music video is coming later this month.

Formed in late 1998, Highroad No. 28 quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the Australian heavy rock scene. Their first two EPs, Obscure Madness (1999) and Dynamic Introspection (2002), showcased a band unafraid to explore the depths of anguish and despair — yet always infused with a relentless “never-give-in” attitude.

From 2003 to 2005, the band delivered a series of live performances, culminating in the release of their debut album, Unsteady and Steady State, on December 8, 2005. Marking a musical evolution, the album incorporated more melody, effects, and colourful soundscapes while balancing moments of gleeful energy with deeply introspective lyricism. This dynamic shift did not diminish the band’s signature resilience — it only broadened their creative scope.

With an ever-growing following, Highroad No. 28 solidified their reputation throughout 2006 with relentless touring and promotion across Australia and beyond. The momentum continued into 2007 as they entered pre-production for their second album. By mid-2008, after over a year of writing and refinement, Stumbling to Divinity was released on August 14. A sonic journey through the dark and light recesses of human experience, the album embraced emotive melodies, ambient electronica, and powerful rhythms — reinforcing the band’s ongoing theme of endurance against affliction.

Following a run of live performances, the band entered a prolonged hibernation period from 2012 to 2024. During this time, Highroad No. 28 resurfaced only occasionally, releasing reworked material, demos, and visual projects.

Now, in 2025, Highroad No. 28 return stronger than ever. While the project has featured different lineups over the years, the current studio material sees frontman Andrew JC performing all instruments and lead vocals as a deliberate solo chapter, reconnecting with the band’s core identity before revealing a new live lineup for 2026 shows.

The band is currently finalising their long-awaited third album, The Will to Endure, scheduled for release in December 2025. The album’s first single, “Ache”, was released on November 1, 2025, followed by the second single “Thistroubledsoul” on November 28, 2025. Together, they mark the beginning of a new creative era — darker, more layered, and more emotionally direct than ever before.

Stepping back into the spotlight, Highroad No. 28’s story stands as a testament to resilience, transformation, and an unbreakable commitment to artistic truth.

Follow Highroad No. 28:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighroadNo.28/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Rd79D7pa2uM72yzgHLaGQ

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChXbeJUVvApWfimEsfW1Kvg

• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/highroadno28

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew.jc.98/