While fans will undoubtedly be longing for a follow-up to Missy Higgins’ fifth studio album, Solastalgia, the Total Control EP has the potential to tide them over as she returns in fine form with an incredible rendition of The Motels’ Total Control amongst other songs. 

For those not familiar with the songstress, Missy Higgins is one of Australia’s greatest singer/songwriters and has been pivotal to the Australian music scene since her 2003 debut The Missy Higgins EP; an impressive first showing! Higgins’ unique vocal style is instantly recognisable, in much the same way as Paul Kelly’s is, but it is her ability to tell stories that ensured she’s achieved three No. 1 albums in Australia. Not bad considering she’s only, thus far, released five studio albums. 

Total Control is somewhat different, however, as the storytelling has been inspired by the TV Series “Total Control”; an Australian political drama. Plus, ironically, it isn’t Higgins’ narrative that is the most notable aspect of this release but her cover of the title song. Originally written by Martha Davis & Jeff Jourard, Higgins’ version will blow your mind and ensures that Total Control makes its way into the list of the best album releases (in this case a mini-album) of 2022.

Watch Out is sensational. The introduction alone, with the fundamental instrumentation, sets the tone of the song as Higgins’ poetic vocal soars above the musical bed. It reminds me of the style that Sophia Pfister applied to her music but most importantly Watch Out will stay as an earworm in your mind. While some may detest that fact, and sometimes I do too, Watch Out is so good that I thoroughly enjoy the repetition as it reminds me to play this mini-album again.

The Collector similarly will capture your soul and not let go with its catchy hook. It’s a toe-tapper with a southern rhythm and blues influence that is infectious.  

Edge Of Something (from the TV Series “Total Control”) offers listeners a beautiful soundscape and highlights Higgins’ glorious vocal; she’s magnificent, isn’t she? Edge Of Something is one of those songs that can be appreciated at both low and room-filling volumes and I suggest you consider the latter for it truly soars. Another magnificent performance but you’ve yet to hear Total Control so hold on to your hat. 

The music video, for the Edge of Something, is stunning. It’s simple, yet elegant, as Higgins performs from a side profile as scenes from the associated TV Series are interspersed throughout.

Total Control is magnificent! I hope you haven’t turned the volume down for Higgins is in the room with you and the soundstage is extraordinary and well worth appreciating at higher volumes. Yes, the original recording from The Models is excellent, especially the saxophone solo, but Higgins has made it her own and this rendition is nothing short of perfection.

Big Kids has a killer harmonic vocal introduction but the shift to Higgins’ vocal is a little clunky. Yet, as the song progresses, this stylistic choice makes sense and flows far better than initially expected. A solid song by any measurement but I can’t help but wonder if it couldn’t have been more impactful for I feel Higgins is a little too restrained in her vocal delivery on this tune. 

I Take It Back is a lovely closer that will leave you in a reflective mood. As with the rest of the songs on this mini-album, I Take It Back represents one of the best songs Higgins has ever recorded. It’s simply magnificent and the choral backing towards the end of the song will leave you speechless. 

While some may lament the mini-album runtime of this release, Missy Higgins once again proves that less is more by ensuring she has total control of your attention for the entire duration. While a full-length album would have been nice, it is by no means necessary especially considering there isn’t any filler to be heard on Total Control; an aspect I can’t say is present on all of her studio albums. Total Control is highly polished, well-considered, and purposeful, thereby making it an essential release that should be in everyone’s music library.