'Beautiful Thing' the new single Altered Images

Altered Images turned back the years when they returned with ‘Mascara Streakz’, the title track to their forthcoming album which follows on August 26th. It’s been 39 years since the band – led by Clare Crogan – released new music, but suddenly it was as if they’d never been away as they added a fresh contemporary touch to the classic Altered Images style.

Continuing to make-up for lost time, Altered Images now share ‘Beautiful Thing’, the second song to preview the album. ‘Beautiful Thing’ is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, as sadness, joy and nostalgia converge into a moment of ultimately uplifting sophisticated pop. Clare’s vocals again standout, her famous sweet coo now weathered with an engagingly husky edge. ‘Beautiful Thing’ was written by Clare and Bobby Bluebell of The Bluebells (‘Young At Heart’, ‘I’m Falling’). It was produced by her husband, Altered Images alumni Stephen Lironi.

Clare Grogan says, “‘Beautiful Thing’ is the first song I’ve written with Robert Hodgens, known to many as Bobby Bluebell. I’ve known Robert since I was 9 so he’s witnessed a lot of my tears over the years. I wanted to write an epic song about my need to express my every emotion through crying. He totally got it. I highly recommend it to everyone!”

Given that Clare Grogan’s many talents include acting for the stage and screen, presenting a variety of TV and radio shows, and writing two hit books, it’s no wonder that making music wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. But when the second lockdown was introduced, she was compelled to create something new. Joined by Stephen Lironi, Clare started writing and recording around the kitchen table, before further collaborators appeared as restrictions were lifted: their near-neighbour, former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, and Bobby Bluebell, a contemporary from Glasgow’s early ‘80s music scene.

The ‘Mascara Streakz’ album is available to pre-order HERE, with ‘Beautiful Thing’ and the title track both provided as instant downloads from the official store, iTunes or Amazon Digital. All CDs and cassettes ordered from the official store will be signed by Clare, while red and black vinyl versions are also available. A selection of bundles add the ‘Clara Libre’ EP, which features brand new renditions of four of their classic hits.

Altered Images play a number of summer festival dates this month before embarking upon a UK headline tour in September. Remaining tickets are available HERE. A recent live review from Louder Than War concluded, “What could have been only a nostalgia trip was averted by the promising new material and the vitality of the performance.”