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 carried into 2007 as they embarked on the pre-production process for their second album. By mid-2008, after over a year of writing and refining, 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, once again reinforcing the theme of endurance against affliction.
Following the release, the band returned to the stage with a string of live performances before entering a prolonged hibernation period from 2012 to 2024. During this time, Highroad No. 28 only sporadically resurfaced, offering glimpses of their artistry through occasional releases of re-worked songs, demos and film clips. Now, in 2025, Highroad No. 28 is poised to return stronger than ever. Rehearsing for their first live shows in well over a decade, the band is also finalizing their long-awaited third album, The Will to Endure, set for release in November 2025. As they step back into the spotlight, their journey stands as a testament to resilience, transformation, and a deep passion for music.
-Interview- (2/9/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Highroad No. 28" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I (James) got started with music just because I was always drawn to it, especially the bass. There's something about the energy and emotion that comes with playing bass—it’s just awesome. Andrew, the guitarist and vocalist, is the one who started Highroad No. 28. He’s pretty much the driving force behind the sound; he’s written almost all the music up until now. He started with a heavy rock/metal vibe, with some pretty wild lyrics (on the EPs “Obscure Madness” and “Dynamic Introspection”), and then slowly started mixing in more melodic and electronic stuff, while keeping the heavy side of things (on the albums “Unsteady and Steady State” and “Stumbling to Divinity”). I’ve been with the band for quite a while now and have contributed a couple of songs to the upcoming album, “The Will to Endure”. As for the band name, you’d have to ask Andrew—there’s definitely a personal meaning behind it.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We want people to feel like our music is a bit of a release for them—a cathartic experience. Our songs are about resilience, endurance, and pushing through tough times, and we really hope people find some comfort or connection in that. If they walk away feeling like they’ve connected to something real—something that speaks to their own struggles and triumphs—then we’ve done our job.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
It’s heavy, alternative, electronic rock with a lot of emotional depth. Kind of like a journey through the highs and lows of life—melodic yet powerful, with big riffs, atmospheric sounds, and lyrics that dig deep into the human experience. As I said, the band’s sound has definitely evolved over the years, but at the core, it’s always been about resilience and emotion.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
If I could pick, I’d say: Helmet – They’ve always been a big influence. Deftones – Their blend of heavy and atmospheric is something we love. Karnivool – Another Aussie band that mixes intensity with emotion, and we respect that a lot.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
It’s interesting, but I think it still misses the soul that comes with human creativity.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Alternative?
The alternative scene is still kicking, but it’s changed a lot. There’s a lot of innovation happening, but some of it feels a bit too caught up in trends. The bands that stand out are the ones who stay true to themselves, like we’ve tried to do with our sound over the years. For us, it’s always been about growth, transformation, and pushing the boundaries. That’s what we hope keeps resonating in the alternative scene.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Australia?
Australia has a pretty vibrant music scene, but it’s tough out there. Venues are closing down, and it’s hard for indie bands to get the exposure they deserve. But there are still so many great bands out there fighting for their space.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Honestly, it’s pretty disappointing. The payout from streaming services is way too low, especially considering how much money they make off artists’ work. The financial side of things just doesn’t match the effort we put in. We’re all for people hearing our music, but artists need to get paid fairly for their work.
9. What’s next for Highroad No. 28?
Right now, we’re getting ready for some live shows in 2025, which is huge for us after being away for over a decade. But the main thing is our new album “The Will to Endure”. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to it. It will be out in November 2025. We’ve spent a lot of time working on this one, refining the sound, and we’re really excited to share it with everyone. The production is going to be awesome. We’re ready to get back out there and continue the journey.
10. Any shoutouts?
A huge thanks to everyone who’s helped us along the way.
