EP Review: The 99 Degree – El Monstruo

The 99 Degree were quiet for long time after their 2017 debut EP “Boot Hill Surf Club“, then earlier this year they re-emerged with the first taste of their new material, a double A Side single “Love (Like I Need You)” and “Bed Of Bones” and now they are set to unleash their brand new five track EP “El Monstruo” in the very near future via Sour Grapes Records. The first thing that strikes you is the cover, demented wrestling masks have replaced the goofy urban surf imagery of their debut, and The 99 Degree have grown in number and developed a more muscular sound thanks to the addition of a second barrage of echo and reverb drenched Gretsch, be afraid… be very afraid.

“John The Killer” indicates that despite the changes they’ve undergone they have remained true to their original vision, this is an unhinged murder ballad that recalls The Cramps during the “Psychedelic Jungle” era, whilst “Flatline” continues the post halloween horror romp with some dark grinding punked up blues. In comparison “Young Flame” is a garage punk pop gem, although the songs reprise at the end of the “El Monstruo” EP takes the song down a darker path. There is also the added bonus of their debut single “Dead or Alive” getting a new outing with the expanded line up, adding muscle and mariachi trumpets to their murderous spaghetti western style.

The 99 Degree embedded themselves in a neighbouring county for four days and nights to deliver “El Monstruo” under the direction of Jack Howorth (Fat White Family) in Sheffield’s The Warren Studios. The result of 96 sleepless hours in Yorkshire is the sound of a band who have discovered their path. As much as I loved their eccentric early releases this is a slicker, more muscular and focused EP, but this is not achieved by sacrificing their roots, the essence of the chaos and unpredictability of their live shows lurks menacingly amongst the grooves. With their latest release The 99 Degree have delivered an EP that resemble Nick Cave‘s “Murder Ballads“, The Cramps and Ennio Morricone being randomly sewn together by a mad scientist. Vive “El Monstruo“

The 99 Degree can be found on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter and YouTube

The Sour Grapes Records website is here and the label’s Bandcamp is here