After a decade away from the studio, Britpop hero’s Dodgy return with Hello Beautiful, and it’s a reminder of just how good they are at crafting timeless indie rock that feels both familiar and fresh.
Released on Friday 26th September on Flip Flop Records, the single is everything fans have loved about the band for more than three decades: shimmering guitars, soaring harmonies, and that trademark Dodgy optimism. The release of the single, coincidences with a single launch event at Bacchus Wine Bar, Union Street, Kingston upon Thames. The venue holds huge significance for the band, as it was once home to the original Dodgy Club, where they first began to make their mark on the live circuit.
From the very first chord, Hello Beautiful carries the unmistakable DNA of classic Dodgy: uplifting melodies, heartfelt lyricism, shimmering guitars and a warmth that instantly pulls the listener in. Vocally, Nigel Clark delivers with a balance of smoothness and conviction, channelling both nostalgia and optimism. It’s the sound of a band reconnecting with their roots while stepping confidently into a new chapter.
The single is also the title track of Dodgy’s forthcoming sixth studio album, due May 2026 — their first full release since What Are We Fighting For in 2016. According to the band, this new material is their most accomplished yet, distilling everything they’ve lived through in the past decade into music that feels both timeless and timely.
“Hello Beautiful’ is more than just a song – it’s a message. After ten years away from recording together, we wanted to come back with something uplifting, something that would bring a smile and remind people why they fell in love with music in the first place. It feels amazing to still be here, with the same mates I started out with, and to be releasing music that we believe is as strong as anything we’ve ever done.”
Nigel Clark
The chorus is where Hello Beautiful really soars. Anthemic without being overblown, it’s the kind of hook that lingers long after the final notes fade, carrying a sense of nostalgia while still sounding undeniably current. The production, meanwhile, is bright and textured, with every instrument given space to shine.
Musically, the track is rich in texture. The guitars shimmer and soar, shifting from jangly openness to fuller, anthemic riffs, while subtle flourishes in the arrangement give the song a depth that rewards repeated listens. The production is clean but never sterile — it breathes, allowing each instrument (including lush piano keys and a trumpet section) to shine without stepping on the others.
There’s a magic in Dodgy that’s never gone away, even if we haven’t been in the studio for a while. Going back to Kingston to launch this single is emotional for us – it’s where the whole thing started, and 35 years later we’re still together, still playing, still making records. Not many bands can say that. We’ve been through Britpop, festivals, tours, hits, and a lot of life in between. This new album feels like a proper celebration of all that history, but also a step forward. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Matthew Priest
What’s most striking about Hello Beautiful is the balance between familiarity and growth. It’s unmistakably Dodgy, yet there’s a maturity in both sound and songwriting that suggests a band still pushing forward rather than relying solely on past glories.
More than just a nostalgic nod to the past, Hello Beautiful is the start of a new chapter for a band who still radiate melody, optimism and spirit. If this single is anything to go by, Dodgy’s sixth album could be their strongest yet.
Hello Beautiful is released on Friday 26th September and is available as a physical copy here.
Catch Dodgy Live – October 2025 headline dates
Thu 2 Oct – Liquid Room, Edinburgh
Fri 3 Oct – Ku Club, Stockton
Sat 4 Oct – Kanteena, Lancaster
Fri 10 Oct – Cheese & Grain, Frome
Sat 11 Oct – Esquires, Bedford
Sun 12 Oct – Sub 89, Reading
Fri 17 Oct – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool
Sat 18 Oct – The Wardrobe, Leeds
Sun 19 Oct – The Drill, Lincoln
Thu 23 Oct – Arena, Torquay
Fri 24 Oct – Sub Rooms, Stroud
To buy tickets, including tickets for the band’s support tour with Black Grape in November, visit: www.dodgyology.com
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