Only a matter of months before his debut appearance at the UK’s most iconic music festival, Glastonbury, Portsmouth export Harvey Jay Dodgson releases his EP “Alligator”.
The “Alligator” EP is a humble showcase of Dodgson’s unfiltered talent. Raw, frictious vocals drive each of its 4 tracks, conjoining them with ferocious grit and adolescent narratives – from self-acceptance to just having a good time. The youthful trail of thought showcased in this project is as unpredictably moving as its title, keeping its listener eagerly anticipating Dodgson’s next move.
In his own words, Dodgson explains; “Ominous, elusive, dangerous. Alligator sweeps through the shallowest of waters. Alligator creeps to the shadow where the shore is. Attack, defeat, it’s over.
Through eerie verses, soaring guitar lines and gritty breakbeat drums, uncover the struggles and releases of an unforgiving mind on its frustrated, timeless journey. Lyrics of honest betrayal, gospel inspired vocals floating on rough yet rigorous edges. Each track has been written upon pent up angst and emotion. Subjects which resonate. Feelings relentless.
The title track produced by Damon Minchella and Tom Manning followed by three Michael Smith produced singles is my chapter two, gearing up for a debut album in the near future. So lock in, zone out, follow the beat, and let the alligator swim your mind…”
Leading the charge, the title track of the EP, “Alligator”. The last instalment and high-energy closer on this BBC Radio 1 championed project. As with every Dodgson track, if the lure of his whisky-soaked vocals aren’t enough, there is the enticement of an irresistible hook that not only grabs but reminds why there is still a very relevant home for indie-rock tracks like this in the current soundscape.
Speaking on the track, Harvey explains; “Can anybody hear me? As the alligator swims the darkest rivers of the mind, the track’s searing melodies of self-acceptance meander through the overdriven breakbeat drums and their cries for help. Produced raw and bold by Damon Minchella and Tom Manning; sprinkled with tension-building backing vocals recorded with Michael Smith, Alligator is the title track of my second EP, concluding chapter two of my project. It’s eerie, it’s aggressive – let it swim your mind.”
2022 saw many accolades added to Dodgson’s name. Having won the affections of Clash Magazine, Wonderland Magazine, Notion, Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC
Introducing. Additionally, receiving syncs on some of the most recognisable, global shows including Love Island and one of Netflix’s most watched films ‘Purple Hearts’. Backed by Liam Gallagher’s agent, Alex Hardee, Dodgson played The Great Escape Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, High Tide Festival, 110 Above Festival and Victorious Festival.
The “Alligator” EP is a confident first move into 2023 and his performance at Glastonbury later this year. With another full year of releases and live shows, there is no doubt that Harvey Jay Dodgson will be a frequently occurring name in ‘Ones To Watch’ predictions for next year.
