York-based Messy Eater is showing no signs of slowing down. His debut EP came out in February 2025 and he’s already back with a new one.
By Graeme Smith
We’ve been teasing Southern Fried on this blog in the interim, sharing singles I Think I’m Headed For A Breakdown, I’m A Mess Right Now and On The Right Track to these pages. The hunger pangs have been forming though. We’ve been eagerly anticipating the full Southern Fried goodness.
To craft his distinct sound, Pete Bott, the man behind Messy Eater, draws on the likes of Beck, The Avalanches, The Dust Brothers’ and The Beastie Boys. The result is beautifully offbeat. Quirky samples meet memorable melodies; nostalgia meets modern pop.
Over it all are Bott’s charismatic vocals. They have an understated energy as they deliver their tales of trying to find peace in a frenetic modern world. There’s an astuteness to his songwriting that sticks with you.
Slowcoach gets the EP going in funky, laidback style. On The Right Track is soulfully self-affirming. I Think I’m Headed For A Breakdown characterises the whole EP beautifully, speaking of seeking escape from a world’s that too much.
The EP is rounded out by two previously unreleased tracks. Keep On (I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead) introduces some soulful bombast before All Out Of Time ends things with a lively instrumental that contrasts its wistful tale.
Southern Fried is out now, and you can listen to it below.