by Clinton Camper

Last Friday night, 3TEN felt more like a house party than a concert venue — and that’s exactly how Wild Party wanted it. The San Antonio indie-pop outfit turned the intimate room into a blur of bouncing heads, shouted choruses, and pure Phantom Pop bliss.

From the moment they launched into “Take My Advice,” the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Lincoln Kreifels, still all charm and swagger, wasted no time connecting with fans — whether through banter or just locking eyes and delivering each line like he meant it. And when the unmistakable opening riff of “Outright” hit? The entire floor moved.

The setlist was a celebration of their cult-favorite debut album, Phantom Pop, with highlights like “When I Get Older,” “Violet,” and “Chasing Honey” all getting the full singalong treatment. But what stood out just as much were the newer, unreleased tracks they teased — fresh but still full of that signature Wild Party shine: upbeat, tightly arranged, and effortlessly fun.

Sonically, the band sounded tight and crisp. Their mix of jangly guitars, synth flourishes, and power-pop percussion gave the room a warm, analog glow. There was a sense that they weren’t just performing to the crowd — they were right there with us, dancing in the same moment.

Wild Party hasn’t flooded the market with new material or endless tours — and maybe that’s the magic. Seeing them live still feels like a rare treat, a band that knows its worth and never phones it in.

Friday night reminded us why we fell for them in the first place. Nostalgic but never stale, Wild Party brought the house down like they never left.