Live Review: Punk Rock Factory - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Support: 4ft Fingers, Lunafall
13th November 2024
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton played host to an unforgettable fun evening as Punk Rock Factory brought their unique blend of pop-culture nostalgia and high-energy punk rock to an eager crowd. With support from Lunafall and 4ft Fingers, the evening was packed with singalongs, laughter, and a touch of chaos.
Lunafall kicked off the night with a polished, energetic performance. Their sound, a blend of alternative rock with pop sensibilities, set a buoyant tone and their catchy choruses had early attendees nodding along enthusiastically. Though a stark stylistic contrast to the headliner, Lunafall's charm won over the crowd, warming the room for what was to come.
Next up were punk stalwarts 4ft Fingers, delivering their signature mix of raw energy and tight musicianship. With blistering guitar riffs and relentless drumbeats, they were a perfect lead-in for Punk Rock Factory. The audience, already pumped, erupted with shouts of approval as the band blasted through their set with the confidence of seasoned pros
By the time Punk Rock Factory hit the stage, the room was electric. Known for their punk rock covers of beloved TV themes and pop classics, the band didn’t disappoint and the audience was a varied mix of old school punks to young frozen fans here for the Disney covers. From the opening notes of How Far I'll Go (a punked-up version of the Moana anthem), it was clear this was no ordinary gig, it was a celebration of childhood memories and guilty pleasures.
The setlist was a delightful rollercoaster through the decades. Tracks like Under the Sea and Friend Like Me transformed Disney magic into mosh pit anthems, while the crowd erupted into gleeful chaos during Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Pokémon theme. C’est La Vie by B*Witched and Mamma Mia by ABBA were unexpected highlights, proving that no genre is off-limits for this quartet.
The band’s charisma was undeniable, with tongue-in-cheek banter and an infectious sense of fun driving their performance. Vocalist Peej extended his range across songs like Surface Pressure and We Don’t Talk About Bruno, keeping the audience engaged and singing along to every word.
The set was littered with an array of TV themes, including Phineas & Ferb and the nostalgic powerhouse that is the SpongeBob SquarePants Theme. By the time Mighty Morphin Power Rangers blasted through the speakers, the crowd had been transported back to Saturday mornings on the sofa, but with an adrenaline-fueled edge.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography