Like a warm summer zephyr the new Dodgy album arrived, albeit tantalisingly late, through our letter box…
From the outset the art of song-writing is, clearly, still a serious preoccupation with Nigel Clark andhis band of cherubic entertainers. Dodgy may have been performing for a number of epochs but not for them sticking to the “tried & trusted,” favourites of old. Like their contemporaries protean Suede and the mercurial Manics, self-aware Dodgy refuse to rest on their greatest hits. The resulting – “Hello Beautiful…”album – requires no introduction or life-support from the past.
The Likes of You and Me is a personal postcard to the self: “Pack our things up, head to the sea.” A song about freedom, the freedom to roam freely and, of course, the freedom of personal choice – or perhaps an extended metaphor for moving on in life?
Call it What You Want begins with warm guitar notes and a vocal which make Simon and Garfunkel sound like pub singers. As a personal exploration of a relationship the track ebbs and flows much like a relationship. At two minutes the track rolls along and at three minutes thirty seconds the song slows and becomes more sombre. The poignant line, “Have no need to talk it through amongst my friends,” simply shows the depth of feeling.
A chance conversation with Dodgy’s manager at a live gig in the Malvern Cube alerted me to how long the Dodgy sound checks take, as the band like to ensure the lyrics can be heard.
Summer Forever is all about enjoying the now and looking to the future with a positive mentality. It is all too easy to look back with a wistful, youthful air believing “summers lasted forever” but as Nigel Clark sings…”looking back is a waste of time.” Indeed, “let the future shine.”
At times this album shimmers like the sun reflecting off the waves kissing a sandy beach.
Out of Time is the darker track focusing on those who “drag their fists” and who “…only dance to the headlines”. Written in the second person – “you” and “your” – the track is consequently accusatory and rightly so. However, the rhythm is upbeat and the vocal mellifluous resulting in a protest song which will no doubt provoke a sing-song at a festival near you.
There is a universal appeal for Dodgy’s music. The use of the first person narrative obviously engages and the honesty of the lyrics draws you in to the music. The use of non-specific locations adds a post-modern twist. Moreover, apart from random beaches, rivers and mountains the only location mentioned by name on the album is Wales.
Accordingly, this album is for those who have appreciated a walk across the majestic drama of Skrinkle haven beach. Also, for those that have valued the magnificent Red Kites descend dramatically over Gigrin Farm. “Hello Beautiful…” an album which remembers your first furtive kiss but knows the emotional worth of your last kiss. Cwtsh.
- A review of the single “Hello Beautiful,” can be found on the SLAP magazine website.
You can order the Gatefold Vinyl or CD versions of Hello Beautiful… by Dodgy online.
By: Swilgate Scuttler
PS For Phil and his quiet dignity.