A Dust Brothers and Avalanches-inspired poke at self-help culture, I Think I’m Headed For A Breakdown, is the new single from York’s own Pete Bott aka Messy Eater.

By Graeme Smith

Opening with keys and beats, I Think I’m Headed For A Breakdown instantly shows us a different side of Messy Eater’s sound. There’s a moodiness that previous tracks has steered away from. Yet, through it all, Pete’s unique sound shines. Its brightness is par for the course and his characterful, understated vocals cut through it all.

Traces of hip-hop add some unexpected textures and the relatability of the lyrics mean they will stick with you. Just as you get the measure of the track, we get a surprise, meditative twist, and things end soothingly.

As a local artist, we are, of course, interested in what Messy Eater is doing. Yet, it goes deeper than that. Bott is an inventive musician who has been showing range across each of his releases. They date back to late 2024 and we’ve been there on his offbeat journey since the beginning.

I Think I’m Headed For A Breakdown is the third single off his upcoming second EP, Southern Fried. The track is out now and you can give it a listen below.