After more than a decade away from the spotlight, Highroad No. 28 return with a track that doesn’t try to ease you back in gently. Their new single “Ache” arrives heavy with feeling, atmosphere, and intent — a slow-burning reminder of why this project has always thrived in emotional depth rather than instant gratification.
Released via The Orchard (Sony Music), “Ache” leans into shadowy territory. Cinematic guitar lines stretch across brooding bass tones, while the vocals carry a weary honesty that feels shaped by time, distance, and lived experience. There’s a real sense of reflection here — not just nostalgia, but the quiet weight of memories that never quite loosen their grip. The song moves patiently, allowing its melodies to unfold rather than rush toward a payoff, which only deepens its impact.
As the first glimpse into The Will to Endure, “Ache” signals a clear shift into darker, more mature terrain. Recorded at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne and mixed by James Taplin, the track feels meticulously crafted without losing its raw edge. Every element serves the mood, balancing restraint with intensity in a way that feels deliberate and deeply personal.
Longtime listeners will recognize the emotional throughline that has defined Highroad No. 28 since their early EPs in the late ’90s — a fascination with inner struggle paired with an unshakable sense of resolve. What’s changed is the perspective. After years of silence and quiet experimentation, the project re-emerges sharpened, more introspective, and emotionally direct.
Now operating as a focused solo studio chapter led by Andrew JC, “Ache” feels like both a reckoning and a reintroduction. It doesn’t chase trends or attempt to reclaim past glory. Instead, it stands firmly in the present, offering a haunting, honest piece of music that trusts listeners to sit with its weight.
With a music video on the way and a new era unfolding, “Ache” proves that some returns don’t need to shout — they just need to resonate.
‘Ache’ is a slow, immersive return that trades nostalgia for emotional truth
