Croydon-based emcee, educator, and Hidden Hobby Records founder Montener the Menace has returned with his third studio LP, Mercurial. First catching the attention of listeners during the COVID-19 pandemic with his debut, I Have a Hidden Hobby, the artist established his lyrical prowess early on. While his debut was occasionally crowded by an abundance of features and a repetitive production palette, Mercurial arrives as a more focused and anticipated project, nearly two years in the making.
The album opens with the soulful boom-bap instrumental “Special,” a brief but effective freestyle, 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 tackles 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 his debut title track. The collaboration “The Game,” featuring A-F-R-O and Fashawn, highlights the technical lyrical ability of the trio, while “Falling Down” finds Montener diving deep into conscious themes over crisp, sampled production. The album also features “My Thoughts,” a standout track with the late Chino XL and Keith Murray, and the atmospheric “Dark Book,” featuring Declaime and Ruste Juxx, with production handled by DJ Sam Seed.
Hidden Hobby Records is steadily cementing its status as a powerhouse in the UK underground scene, standing alongside labels like High Focus Records and Blah Records. Mercurial stands as arguably the most accomplished work in Montener the Menace’s discography to date, balancing soulful production with high-caliber performances from both the host and his guests. It is a project that sets a high bar for whatever follows in his career.
Score: 8/10