Messy Eater is one of the most exciting acts to come out of the York scene for awhile, and we’re not the only ones who think so.

By Graeme Smith

Real name Pete Bott, he’s been backed by BBC Introducing, Apple Music, and featured in the final of last year’s Aesthetica Film Festival’s New Music Stage competition at York Theatre Royal. We’ve been supporting him from the off, reviewing his singles, EPs, and even catching him with his band live a couple of times.

His new single, Vibe Killer, certainly doesn’t kill that momentum. It infuses Messy Eater’s trademark quirky yet serious alternative pop with a touch of ‘70s soul and ‘80s hip-hop to create a groovy, timeless composition. Licks of brass in the chorus add to the melange as Bott laments an untimely appearance of his anxiety.

Messy Eater is a fine proposition, fusing a Gorillaz, Beck, The Flaming Lips, and The Avalanches-inspired sound with a clever use of illustration to make him stand out. No wonder he’s getting the attention that he is.

You can keep up to date with all he’s doing by heading to their website, and by following him on Spotify, Soundcloud, Instagram, and TikTok.

Vibe Killer is set for release this Friday, 6 March 2026. You can hear it for the first time anywhere below.

Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator