7/10

After originally breaking through with their stunning initial offerings 'Getting Pretty' and 'Jesus The Showgirl in 1991 and 1993 respectively, THE GETTING PRETTY were seen as one of the more impactful additions to the alt-rock arena during that time. Coupling broad and emotive soundscapes with a wonderfully riveting approach to songwriting, the quartet originally called it quits in 1995, leaving a chasm behind in their path. But now returning as a trio, they deliver their long-awaited third studio album 'Fainted', a record that sees them get back to their old ways right from the start.

Arriving in the wake of a string of captivating comeback singles throughout last year, 'Fainted' sees them returning to the fold with some of their more compelling material yet. Returning to that raw and driven texture that their first two LPs were well-regarded for, their newest outing finds them in fine form throughout as they look to blend their more traditional tones with a contemporary edge throughout. Heightened by the soaring additions 'Upn Down' and '4 Sale', THE GETTING PRETTY are back to their ultimate best across this new release.

It may have been quite some time since their original incarnation, but 'Fainted' feels like very little time has passed at all. Brimming with such a warming and progressive flow at every turn, we hope they don't leave it another thirty year before treating us to something new again.