I saw Claire and the band at The Trades in Hebden Bridge and I was absolutely blown away to hear Claire's still sweet voice despite the passing decades. I am not a self trumpet blower but I am a very discerning listener and gig attendee - Claire had a very young apprentice by her side I later found out was called Rosie McClure, Claire bringing Rosie on board was a master stroke - Even I didn't think Claire would be able to hit those very high notes that she could way back in the 80's - as I listened intently from my perch at the back, I could hear this beautiful undertone shadowing Claire's voice, what wasn't obvious to most I expect was Claire tailing off for the final second or two for those larynx wreckers and the slack was seamless, taken up by this new to me and very beautiful young singer ... I have to admire Claire and everyone involved with the whole production, bringing a very young singer into the fold and I am sure mentoring her can do nothing only add fuel to what appears to be a very promising outlook in her own right.
Claire is still a very funny and very Glaswegian girl, I laughed my head off, especially when she accidentally launched the microphone and it hit a fella at the front, nothing malicious at all obviously and a laugh was had all round, but Claire's down to earth and very real life take on life in general is so great to hear ...
I loved the graphics on the merch as well , the art and the name of the band above is priceless as it is an image being altered hence .... I love the name Altered Images and despite the very sad but very real subject matter in the song - 'I could be happy', I smile every time the name Altered Images pops into my head or I listen to the music ...
(I often wondered how many people singing along to I could be happy were actually aware that it was a very poignant song about domestic abuse and the struggle faced by many poor isolated and controlled women in a similar living hell)
But ... to end this review on a high note for a very very good band - it's a FIVE star review for Altered Images and I cannot wait to see them again at the Brudenell in Leeds in September (2022)
Thank's for the memories and nostalgia trip as well as a great night out ...
Don Toliver
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