- Total Control have just dropped a new 12” titled Laughing At The System. Originating from Melbourne, Total Control comprises of a number of rocker musicians (their list of credits is too long and varied to mention). However, Total Control have tended to be more electronic compared to their associated acts, with the exceptions of Mikey Young’s solo album and Lace Curtai (amongst others). With every release they touch on various styles and feel-out numerous tangents.

The new record is bookended by the title track, Laughing At The System Parts 1 and 2. Part 1 is a synthed-up affair, with what sounds like glockenspiel hits or maybe it’s just some electronic imposter. It is reminiscent of the weirdness of German new-wave music and DIY tape experiments. Conversely, Part 2 is a guitar-centric track with live drums that takes it in an entirely heavier direction.

There are some pleasant, poppy songs too, like Future Creme and Luxury Vacuum. They both feature acoustic guitar and drum machines, evoking Pete Shelley’s synth-pop records. They contrast these heavier moods with songs like Her Majesty, Budgie and Cathie And Marg. Her Majesty is built around pleasant arpeggios and melodic guitar and vocal. Cathie And Marg is an entirely instrumental piece, sounding like some blissful pentatonic new age like Laraaji. Vote Cops was a total surprise to me upon hearing it the first time, with its spoken word, flute and fuzzed out guitar.

Having followed Total Control for some time, it is always intriguing to hear their new music. This is in large part to the diversity of their songs in both instrumentation and production. Another aspect that has remained ever-present over the years is their sense of humour. Laughing At The System is a prime example of this, being a short, shambolic trip filled with enough solid pop to have you coming back.

- Hillfolk.