Rock/Review Highroad No. 28 - Ache

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.

After more than a decade of silence, Australian alternative rock band Highroad No. 28 return with “Ache”—a striking, slow-burning single that reintroduces the group with a deeper emotional intensity and a sharpened creative edge. Released via The Orchard (Sony Music), the track signals not just a comeback but a transformation, setting the tone for their forthcoming third album, “The Will to Endure.”

From its opening moments, “Ache” envelops the listener in a cinematic haze. Atmospheric guitars shimmer with restrained tension, the bass broods beneath like an unresolved memory, and the vocals—aching, intimate, and unguarded—cut straight through the fog. The song’s emotional core is raw longing, expressed not through melodrama but through quiet devastation. It’s the kind of ache that lingers, heavy and familiar, long after the track ends.

Recorded at Melbourne’s iconic Sing Sing Studios and mixed with clarity and warmth by James Taplin, the production strikes a compelling balance between moodiness and precision. Each layer feels intentional, from the intricate melodic lines to the dynamic ebb and flow of the instrumentation. There’s a maturity here—a band that has lived, lost, and learned in the years since their last release, now channeling that experience into something hauntingly true.

With “Ache,” Highroad No. 28 embrace a darker, more atmospheric identity while preserving the melodic sensibilities that defined their earlier work. It’s a breathtaking return—measured, emotionally charged, and unmistakably powerful. If this is the first glimpse of “The Will to Endure,” the full album promises to be monumental.