By Abi Falin Horspool
Housewarming Party originated in Southern California, and they feel very SoCal, especially their debut album, Baby Teeth. The band reminds me of a new-age Weezer or Joyce Manor with a slightly softer punk rock approach. I feel like I’d listen to the album while longboarding along the beach (that is, if I could longboard).
Housewarming Party says that Baby Teeth is their only collection of music recorded in a professional studio and marks a massive shift toward more serious music. Although members Scottie and Ridge began as “sworn enemies,” music brought them together. Jordan joined the group in 2015 after Ridge and Scottie put an ad up on KSL to find a drummer. Brendon Crave joined the band for their Baby Teeth tour. Featured on the album is Matt Tanaka, who plays the trombone and some guitar. Mia Hicken (of Drusky fame) also worked on Baby Teeth and plans to be involved in future projects.
Housewarming Party describes their music as “punk rock for people who struggle with relationships.” Baby Teeth perfectly encapsulates this vibe with songs about falling in and out of love, heartbreak, and crushes. The whole album shows off some amazing guitar and drum work, alongside lyrics that reveal deeper meaning when examined closely.
Baby Teeth rises and falls with the tide of falling in love and losing that love— Anyone who’s been in love can relate to the lyrics of “Soft & Pretty & Dull.” “There are thousands of moments, I wish they were frozen.” The album’s second track, “For Pinks Again,” is an almost resentful remembrance of a past love who’s since moved to Seattle. Memories are referenced again in “For Pinks Again (Again),” which is a softer echo to the earlier song with the same name. It reminisces “Writing songs that keep those moments close,” with eloquent harmonies. “Jacqueline” is a song about being lonely and trying to fill the empty space a lost lover leaves behind.
There’s something for everyone in Baby Teeth, but my favorite track has to be “Constant Turning.” The track is a slower one, with lyrics almost spoken rather than sung in the beginning. The song begins with soft guitar plucking, with drifting lyrics bouncing between phrases about falling love. It slowly builds into heavier beats and more rock elements, finishing with how it feels to truly be in love.
The album has some strong songs full of killer guitar and drums, and I look forward to seeing what Housewarming Party does with their future projects. I think they have a lot of potential in the punk rock scene, especially kickstarting somewhere like Utah, where they’re sure to gain more popularity. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see, as Housewarming Party is currently on hiatus until 2025.
Make sure to follow Housewarming Party on Instagram. You can listen to “For Pinks Again” below!