REVIEW: The Getting Pretty – ‘Fainted’

After a nearly three-decade hiatus, The Getting Pretty have triumphantly returned with their third studio album ‘Fainted’, proving that time has only sharpened their alt-rock sensibilities. Originally making waves in the early ‘90s with standout releases like ‘Getting Pretty’ and ‘Jesus The Showgirl’, the band left an indelible mark on the genre before their sudden departure in 1995. Now reemerging as a trio, they’ve crafted a record that bridges the gap between nostalgia and reinvention, delivering a collection of tracks that feel both familiar and refreshingly modern.

‘Fainted’ picks up where the band left off, yet pushes their signature raw energy into uncharted territory. The album’s centrepiece tracks, like the anthemic ‘Upn Down’ and the poignant ‘Hatmaker’, highlight their ability to balance driving, grungy guitars with introspective lyricism. The production feels deliberately unpolished, a callback to the gritty texture of their early work, but with subtle contemporary flourishes that add depth and resonance.

What makes ‘Fainted’ stand out is how effortlessly the trio blends their storied past with a renewed vigour. Each song carries the emotional weight of a band that has lived through decades of change, yet remains steadfast in their commitment to authenticity. Tracks swell with the kind of earnestness and raw power that defined their heyday, while still offering enough evolution to keep things fresh for new listeners.

It’s rare for a band to return after so much time and sound like they’ve never missed a beat, but The Getting Pretty pull it off with ease. ‘Fainted’ is a reminder of why they mattered in the first place, and a declaration that their story is far from over. Here’s hoping the wait for the next chapter won’t be quite as long.