Britpop has always been a feeling as much as a sound — a rush of melody, heart-on-sleeve honesty, and the sense that a great chorus can carry you through anything. And with “It’s Not The End,” Dodgy return not just with another single, but with a statement of purpose and remind us why they are of are one of the finest bands of the past 30 years.
The single arrives alongside confirmation of their new album Hello Beautiful, set for release this May. The record will mark the band’s sixth studio release and their first full album since What Are We Fighting For. Recorded by original members Nigel Clark, Mathew Priest and Andy Miller, alongside long-time collaborators Stu Thoy and Graham Mann, the album sees the group reconnecting with the melodic optimism that first made them one of Britain’s most loved guitar bands — now filtered through three decades of experience, growth, and friendship.
“It feels like the right time for the band. The reaction to the new music has been brilliant and we’re really looking forward to taking these songs out around the country. Independent venues are where we started and they’re still the lifeblood of live music, so it’s important for us to keep playing them.”
Matthew Priest
To celebrate the release, the band will head out on a UK album tour this spring, continuing their long-standing commitment to playing independent venues and supporting the grassroots circuit that first helped launch their career — something that feels especially fitting given the current resurgence in guitar music across the country.
And the celebrations won’t stop there. Later in 2026, Dodgy will mark the 30th anniversary of their defining album Free Peace Sweet with a run of special shows featuring guests The Icicle Works. Originally released in 1996, the record delivered some of the band’s most beloved moments — including “Good Enough”, “In A Room”, “If You’re Thinking Of Me” and “Found You” — and remains one of the era’s essential British guitar albums. The anniversary dates promise a full celebration of that legacy alongside fan favourites from across their catalogue.
“We’ve been through so much together as a band, and the fact we’re still here making new records and playing shows we genuinely love is something we don’t take for granted. The new album feels like a fresh start, and celebrating Free Peace Sweet at the same time makes 2026 feel pretty special for us.”
Nigel Clark
So what of It’s Not The End? The new single is melancholic, yet uplifting, leaning into reflection without ever sounding heavy. The guitars shimmer with warmth, the rhythm section moves with a calm assurance, and the vocal carries the weight of experience in a way that feels honest rather than nostalgic. It’s the sound of a band who know exactly who they are — and who are completely comfortable in their skin.
From the opening moments, the song feels like a conversation with an old friend. The guitars shimmer rather than shout, the rhythm section moves with a steady confidence, and the vocal carries the weight of time without ever sounding tired. It’s the sound of a band who have lived, learned, and come back with something honest to say.
What makes “It’s Not The End” land so effectively is its balance. It leans into nostalgia without leaning on it. The songwriting feels mature and considered, but the core remains rooted in the same melodic instinct that powered their 90s classics. The chorus, in particular, is where it all lifts — quietly euphoric, gently defiant, and built to linger long after the final note fades.
“It’s Not The End’ was arranged really quickly in the studio during the sessions for the new album. It started with a simple lyric that felt really direct and honest, and the song just seemed to guide us where it wanted to go. It became an instant favourite. Reviews have said it sounds like an older, wiser, deeper Dodgy, which is exactly how I’d want us to sound in 2026.”
Nigel Clark
There’s a richness to the arrangement that speaks to experience. Subtle textures and thoughtful pacing allow the emotion to breathe, giving the track a depth that grows with every listen. It’s not about chasing the past — it’s about understanding it, making peace with it, and stepping forward anyway.
And that’s what makes this comeback chapter feel meaningful. This isn’t just another single. It’s a statement of intent. A band acknowledging the years behind them while proving they still have something vital to offer now.
“It’s Not The End” is exactly what its title suggests — not a farewell, not a revival, but a continuation. Older, wiser, and still capable of writing songs that connect straight to the heart, Dodgy are showing that great melody and genuine feeling never go out of style.
And here’s the truth — “It’s Not The End” doesn’t just signal a return, it sounds like a rebirth. This is a band reconnecting with their magic in real time, delivering a song that feels both timeless and totally now. The melody sticks, the emotion hits, and the chorus rises with the kind of quiet confidence only legends can pull off.
If this single is the tone-setter for Hello Beautiful, then Dodgy aren’t just back — they’re reminding everyone why they mattered in the first place. This is Britpop heart, sharpened by time, wrapped in a song that refuses to fade.
It’s Not The End is released on Friday 20th February
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