WINGTIPS - Exposure Therapy Review

Review by Brittany Swigert

I had the opportunity this weekend to listen to Exposure therapy, the debut album for Chicago Goth-Pop band, WINGTIPS. I hate to admit it, but I was apprehensive as I queued up the tracks to review them. I didn’t have any idea what to expect from a genre I had never heard much about, let alone listened to. I expected edgy music, more suited for a peppy cheerleader going through a phase, but that wasn’t what I got. Instead I found that WINGTIPS had the perfect balance of melancholy and lightness. The first goth-pop I ever really listened to and there I was, bobbing my head, relaxing, and loving every second of it.

On first listen, the album reminded me of songs I grew up listening to like “The Killing Moon” by Echo & the Bunnymen and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for fears. It took me back to simpler times in my friends’ garage, listening to music and talking about dreams I let go of once I had reached adulthood. Listening to it now, it feels more like peace and rest. I have been listing to some seriously heavy music lately and my life has been one stress filled day after another. Exposure Therapy came at the perfect time and provided a much-needed reprieve from the noise and nonsense I had subjected myself to.

The album opens with a short synth track that leads directly in to “Deaf Pursuit”. This single is one of only a few singles available prior to Exposure Therapy’s release on August 23, 2019. I highly recommend you check it out before the album drops so you know what to expect. It is definitely worth a listen. The instrumentals remind me of something you might hear on a She Wants Revenge release.

They are dark and synthy with just enough energy and punch to keep you invested, and maybe even dancing. The vocalist is also doing his part by bringing moody tones to every track. I really love the tone of his voice. It was a big reason I listen to the album as many times as I did before writing this review. I wanted to drink it all in. I have to say, I may have been apprehensive at first, but I don’ intend to make that mistake again.

Wingtips has produced a fantastic album and I am really happy I got this one. It was just what I needed and it taught me to take more chances with my music selection. I still tend to listen to more metal than anything, but this album will definitely become a treasured part of my collection. You owe it to yourself to check them out too.