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 project was arguably hindered by an over-reliance on guest features and a somewhat repetitive production palette. Following the releases 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 through the chipmunk soul-inspired “Fight for Flight,” which tackles the complexities of the acute stress response, before “The Devil Chose Me,” featuring Jadakiss, closes out the first act with a haunting warning of encroaching darkness.
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 quality remains high as the album progresses; “The Game,” featuring A-F-R-O and Fashawn, serves as a masterclass in lyrical precision, while “Falling Down” finds Montener diving deep into his conscious bag over crisp, sample-heavy production. The emotional weight of the album is further bolstered by “My Thoughts,” featuring the late Chino XL and Keith Murray, and the atmospheric “Dark Book,” which features Declaime and Ruste Juxx with production from DJ Sam Seed.
Hidden Hobby Records is steadily cementing its status as a powerhouse in the UK underground scene, standing alongside established imprints 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. From the soulful production choices to the high-caliber performances from both himself and his collaborators, this album sets a high bar for whatever follows in his discography.
Score: 8/10