Croydon, South London-based emcee, educator, and Hidden Hobby Records founder Montener the Menace has returned with his third studio LP, Mercurial. Having first gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic with his debut, I Have a Hidden Hobby, the artist demonstrated significant lyrical prowess, though that initial project was occasionally weighed down by an abundance of features and a repetitive production palette. Following the release of Anyone Home? and The Miserable Git Next Door, Mercurial arrives as a highly anticipated project, nearly two years after its initial announcement.
The album opens with the soulful boom-bap instrumental “Special,” a brief, punchy freestyle that sets the tone before transitioning into the paranoid introspection of “Tin Foil Hat.” The project hits its stride with “Lost & Found,” a formidable UK hip-hop posse cut featuring Blade, Farma G, Micall Parknsun, and Verb T. The momentum continues with the chipmunk soul-infused “Fight for Flight,” which explores the acute stress response, before the first half concludes with the ominous “The Devil Chose Me,” featuring Jadakiss.
The second half of the record begins with “I Still Have a Hidden Hobby,” a direct sequel to the title track of his debut. The collaboration-heavy “The Game,” featuring A-F-R-O and Fashawn, highlights the technical lyrical ability of all involved. Montener delves deeper into his conscious bag on “Falling Down,” utilizing crisp kicks and snares paired with a pitched vocal sample. The emotional weight of the project is further bolstered by “My Thoughts,” featuring the late Chino XL and Keith Murray, while “Dark Book,” featuring Declaime and Ruste Juxx and produced by DJ Sam Seed, offers a haunting exploration of the shadows.
Hidden Hobby Records is steadily cementing its status as a powerhouse in the UK hip-hop scene, rivaling established institutions like High Focus Records and Blah Records. With Mercurial, Montener the Menace has delivered what is arguably his most cohesive and impressive work to date, balancing soulful production with high-caliber performances from both himself and his guest contributors.
Score: 8/10