Somehow we’ve slumped our way into another new year and we’re already exhausted. What happened to that schedule we said we were going to commit to? Maybe your resolutions are also in tatters by this point? So when we hear our favourite York-based artist Messy Eater‘s new track ‘Work Life Balance’ we knew that we’d found the perfect soundtrack for how we’re feeling in 2025.

Pete Bott (the musician behind the moniker) is a slap in the face of the falsehood that you can have it all only if you work harder, do more, become busier, be better than everyone else. The slightly chaotic nature of this synth-fuelled track gives off the aura of an 80s futuristic movie, offering a terrifying glimpse into the dystopian future of consumerist-driven workaholism. Oh wait… that kinda sounds like now. Bott is highly pointed with his deadpan criticism of the hustle culture, singing “My life’s ambition is to be busy / busier than you / I’m buying things I don’t even want or use.”

Not only does this track stand-out for its zeitgeist narrative, but the dynamic mix of razor-sharp filtergate guitar and driving synth-bass grooves is reminiscent of vintage synth-rock sounds of Talking Heads and Prince. This eclectic approach that’s become distinctive of the Messy Eater project allows this British songwriter to tackle pressing issues without evoking a doom-and-gloom atmosphere. For all its seriousness, ‘Work Life Balance’ is an irresistible indie-dance anthem that wraps those bubbling anxieties up layers of dizzying and kaleidoscopic textures.

You can also listen to ‘Work Life Balance’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.

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