Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Altered Images / Vanity Fairy @ Exeter Phoenix – Friday October 25th 2024

 

After waiting roughly 40 years to see Altered Images this was the third time we’d seen them since 2022. At this rate they’ll be taking out a restraining order against us.

First up though, Vanity Fairy, a one woman disco extravaganza (check out her outifits) with an equally delicious sideline in witty between song banter. Hot on the high heels of supporting Last Dinner Party she dazzled the early birds with an album's worth of instant classics. 

If Kate Bush had grown up in Studio 54...

Playing the whole of fourth album, Bite, Altered Images (although only Clare Grogan remains from the original band) kicked off with a particularly groovy Bring Me Closer which was only narrowly beaten by a sublime purr through classic Don’t Talk To Me About Love for first set highlight. Grogan’s in fine voice and form and it’s clear that she’s loving this phase of a career that started waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1979. Yes, really. 

After a quick break they returned for bangers old...I Could Be Happy and Dead Pop Stars...and new, courtesy of 2022's top notch comeback single Mascara Streakz. GWR cancelling the last train home stopped us from staying right to the end...oh the joys of relying on public transport...but too much pop perfection may well have proved fatal at our age. 

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