Follow on from his recent ode to self-acceptance ‘Learning to love what I see in the mirror’, Messy Eater casts his observational gaze over modern-day complications once again with his latest single ‘Vibe Killer’. This beat-laden alt-pop track explores the contrast between enjoying the present moment, aka the “vibe”, and the intrusion of one’s anxious thoughts, aka the “killer”. However, that doesn’t mean this is a straight-forward good versus evil tale.
The track opens with a ringing phone, which symbolises the ever-present potential of screen distraction. Who needs to deal with their problems as long as the blue-light and endless scrolling is available? As Messy Eater very well knows, that digital addiction isn’t a solution. As he sings, “I was having some time out of my mind, thinking in lines, relaxing and unwind,” but then along comes anxiety “crashing my head party.”
With the realisation, those jazzy hip-hop beats and hazy melodies that seemed so temptingly hedonistic to begin with, then slip off into a stream-of-consciousness spoken word verse. Bubbling with a subtle apprehension, this rap section replicates the relentless doubts, worries and concerns that occupy Messy Eater‘s mind. After letting his thoughts run rampant, the artist sonically shakes them away with the lyric, “it’s really, really not a good time right now,” before diving back into those feel-good indie vibes.
What keeps us coming back to Messy Eater‘s songwriting is his authenticity. He’s portraying life as he experiences it, with a refreshing honesty, splash of humour and ever-adventurous production. ‘Vibe Killer’ is also a great insight into his forthcoming EP, Comfort Food.
You can also find ‘Vibe Killer’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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