12BB is an amazing album, you can really get the sense of the turmoil he was in at that time, the album is all over the place in terms of style and influence, but totally inspired and committed. I guess the problem with HiG is that he is still in turmoil, but the years of abuse have robbed him of his inspiration and commitment. It's not a bad album, but I just don't feel it. It's a little bland and unexciting.
As far as the EP goes, I expect it'll be out either soon after the mini-tour while the band is fresh in people's minds. The tour is too close now for the EP to come out beforehand it seems.