Melbourne-based post-punk duo HighSchool have announced their self-titled debut album, set for release on October 31st via [PIAS] Australia.
Alongside the announcement, they released their latest single, “Dipped”.
“This track explores themes of luck, chance, and gambling, using the Greek tragedy of Achilles as a metaphor for addiction, impulse, and human weakness,” the duo explain. “The cold, gothic, minor-key verses contrast with a warm, major-key chorus, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that feels both tense and euphoric. We recorded it in Lewes and added the final touches at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne with Aaron Dobos.”
You can watch the accompanying music video below.
A regular inclusion in our Best Australian music of the week, “Dipped” follows previous single “149”, released in June, their first release since 2024’s Accelerator EP.
HighSchool, formed by Rory Trobbiani and Luke Scott, are joined live by Lilli Trobbiani and Lucy Lamb. Since 2021, the band has developed a sound influenced by shoegaze, new wave, and post-punk. Their EPs Forever At Last and 2024’s Accelerator explored themes of suburban life and youth.
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The band spent time in London’s Windmill scene and have since performed in Australia, Europe, Japan, and North America. They have toured with Wunderhorse, Sam Fender, Provoker, and Chvrches, and played festivals including SXSW Austin, The Great Escape, All Points East, Wide Awake, and Reeperbahn.
The band recorded their debut album in London, East Sussex, and Melbourne with producers Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode) and Finn Billingham (RIP Magic, Sam Akpro, Sunken). Drawing on influences from slowcore, alt-rock, and experimental hip hop, the record develops their post-punk sound while adding new elements that reflect different stages of life, combining 1980s post-punk with alternative revivalist styles.
HighSchool’s “Dipped” is out now via [PIAS] Australia. HighSchool LP is out October 31st. Pre-order/Pre-save the album here.
