THE GETTING PRETTY is a German band founded in 1989 that made a significant impact with their inventive sound and magnetic performances. Initially brought to life by singer Ralf Thomas, guitarist Ralf Ratering, bassist Georg Manthey and drummer Philipp Adenacker, the band quickly established themselves as a thrilling act in the German music scene. From their early days writing songs and recording tapes to moving beyond school gigs into larger clubs, the band earned a reputation for their exciting live shows and highly original creative vision.
Managed by Jörg Heikhaus, a dedicated friend and collaborator, the band hit the road in a bus purchased with their early performance fees, touring extensively across Germany. Their debut album, Getting Pretty, was released in 1991 to critical acclaim, with their sophomore record, Jesus The Showgirl, following two years later via DAY-GLO Records. However, after a whirlwind of touring, experimentation and creative collaborations, THE GETTING PRETTY split in 1995, leaving behind a loyal fanbase and a legacy of artistic expression.
Now, after a thirty-year hiatus, THE GETTING PRETTY has reunited as a trio, marking an extraordinary comeback with their new album, Fainted, released on the independent label timelock-music. This long-awaited LP offers a brand new chapter in their enduring journey, blending decades of perspective with the band’s creative flair. Featuring eight tracks that flow across diverse sonic landscapes, Fainted presets musical journey designed to grip listeners from start to finish.
Opened by “Life Control,” the buzz of a lead synth line is met by the mellow patter of drums and deep bass notes as the arrangement glides into a hazy rock scene capped by hushed vocal leads. Casting an enveloping atmosphere, dashes of bright guitar notes and bursts of distortion, peppered with spacey synth elements combine to craft an enthralling alternative jam that’s engaging and original throughout.
“Upn Down” follows with the crunch of guitar chords, shifting with lilting bass lines and the strike of drums as the airy vocal lines drift above. Flowing into a melodic, pop-focused rock sound, elegant vocal hooks hover above the gritty arrangement in the chorus to deliver a charming soundscape of theatrical quality and compelling songwriting.
With “4 Sale,” the lively twang of guitar and splashy drums set up a bouncy rhythm of uptempo energy as commanding vocals spin memorable melodic lines above the charging instrumentation. Serving up a truly anthemic listening experience which puts their catchy writing and immersive sound on full display, it’s an epic outing of energising modern rock music.
Other highlights on the record include songs like title track “Fainted” where smokey guitar notes float through a moody, psych-inflected sonic fabric. Soft and brooding vocals glide alongside the mesmeric guitar lines as the pulse of bass ushers in a stunning chorus of lofty melodic flourishes and rousing rock aesthetic, resulting in an engrossing sound cut with slick lead guitar flickers.
Closing the album with “When The World Stood Still,” the snap of drums, intricate guitar plucks and popping bass lines form the backdrop for graceful vocal leads to thread delicate melodies and picture painting lyricism. It’s a superb finale that concludes the band’s sensational new record, marking their long-awaited return in spectacular fashion.
Listen to Fainted below
More from Albums
New full-length record from Divergent
While some musical ambitions take a little longer to find their moment, the journey for Iowa-based trio Divergent has been …
New album from Ashot Danielyan
Based in Moscow, pianist, composer and improviser Ashot Danielyan has spent more than a decade developing a musical output that …
Bryan Howell returns with new studio album
Originally hailing from central New York and now based in Nashville, Bryan Howell has spent more than a decade developing …











