Monster Florence - Cowboys and Idiots Deluxe

So I first of all must make an apology because I am late, on Friday 11th December one of the most unique “bands” to emerge from the UK this year dropped their deluxe album. I know, that’s a big statement, but Monster Florence have proven this. Their initial release, “Cowboys and Idiots”, was a tape that emulated the highs, lows of a great night out, blending a unique style of live instruments, impeccable verses and dense emotions. Their deluxe version carries that same exuberance, although this one contains music that takes you into the Sunday morning fry up and makes you reach for the drinks again.

The first 7 tracks follow the same pattern as the first tape, with the English bounce of 26 Ghosts or the lucid trips of Handstand and Guantanamo Baby, still sounding as fresh as they did earlier this year. The extra 10 songs added include everything good about Monster Florence. “Walls of Jericho” is one for the wrestling fans out there, it immediately puts you into a front seat of a freight train that doesn’t stop until the end of the 26 Ghosts’ remix. We get introspective tracks like “Fucking Hell” and “Deck of Cards” that show the dept that comes with this talented band. The Abbey Road Studios ooze a comfort on the microphone that will have their fans salivating at the thought of a live show. Monster Florence seem to carry the ability to hit every pocket without it really ever sounding forced, a true testament to the way they create music.

A personal favourite of mine is Peepin’ with a singalong hook and the type of verses that make you bop your head with the classic hip-hop screw-face. Scum is a mess of a track that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Madness set. It has tight verses with a reckless guitar fuelled baseline and carries the arrogance that would be associated with a group of buoyant teenagers.

Whatever you do in 2021 (I hope you do a lot, you deserve it after this year) keep Monster Florence in your rotation and keep your ears to the ground for whatever they have coming next.

Listen to “Cowboys and Idiots (Deluxe)” on any of your favourite streaming platforms.