Strap in and welcome Highroad No. 28 to the site. This Australian alt-rock powerhouse is officially hitting its stride with the release of its second single, ‘C.Esp.’ Dropping just in time to shake up the end of the year on December 22nd, it’s a track that demands your full attention. We’ve had it on repeat, and now it’s time to get under the hood of this one together. Let’s dive in.

Highroad No. 28 knows exactly how to reel you in. The track opens with a guitar melody so light and beautiful it feels like a daydream, but don’t get too comfortable, it soon snaps into an impossibly catchy rhythm. There is a short recording of a conversation between two people. It’s the kind of intro that makes you sit up a little straighter, striking that perfect balance between elegance and energy. Honestly? I couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Highroad No. 28 captures the static of the human mind with ‘C.Esp.’ The song explores the ‘mental noise’ that comes when intense emotions collide, leaving you grasping for a clarity that won’t quite materialize. It’s the sound of a thought you can’t quite catch, a ‘tip of the tongue’ frustration that feels both haunting and human. By exploring this neglected corner of the psyche, the band creates a bridge of empathy, making the track feel like a lifeline for anyone lost in their own head.

On the production front, ‘C.Esp’ is a masterclass in atmospheric tension. It’s a dark, melodic alt-rock journey that feels heavy with emotional weight, never sacrificing depth for the sake of a hook. Under the creative direction of songwriter Andrew JC, the project expertly balances introspective storytelling with a modern edge. The production doesn’t just sit in the background; it breathes alongside the lyrics, creating a sonic landscape that feels as vast and complex as the mind itself.

To truly appreciate ‘C.Esp,’ you have to understand the journey of Highroad No. 28. Born in the grit of the late ’90s, they became an Australian heavy rock powerhouse, cementing their legacy through a relentless touring grind that peaked around 2006. Then, they vanished into a decade-long hibernation. Between 2012 and 2024, the band became a ghost, resurfacing only for the occasional demo or visual project. But 2025 marks a massive rebirth. This isn’t just a return; it’s a solo evolution. Frontman Andrew JC has taken the reins, performing every instrument and vocal on this chapter to strip the sound back to its core identity. It’s a bold, singular vision that sets the stage for a full live resurrection in 2026.”

There is a unique kind of comfort that comes with listening to a band like Highroad No. 28. Knowing their history, the decades of experience, and the grit it took to survive a twelve-year hibernation made me feel safe. I knew I was in the hands of seasoned professionals who understand the architecture of a great rock song, and I can say without a doubt: they did not disappoint. ‘C.Esp’ is a masterclass in tension, release, and raw honesty. It’s the sound of a powerhouse re-awakening, and quite frankly, I’m on the edge of my seat. If this is the caliber of the new material, their upcoming album is going to be a monumental shift for the scene. The road ahead looks bright for Highroad No. 28, and I’ll be right here waiting for the next chapter.”

Stream “C. Esp” on Spotify 

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