Punk Rock Factory // Crown The King // Live Review // The Limelight II // Belfast

Pop-punk-tactic is what tonight is all about! The Limelight Belfast is being treated to two punk rock bands that are at the very top of their game, Ireland’s own Crown The King & the pop-punk kings of the moment, Punk Rock Factory who can do no wrong at the moment as they trek across the UK on a sold-out tour.

After seeing them at Bloodstock Open Air Festival,  it is time to catch them once again and this time in the intimate setting of the LL2 here in my home town of Belfast. Crown the King are up first and takes the stage around 7:20 ish as it’s as early one here with the LL turning into a club after the gig, so an early curfew for all the dedicated punk rockers who have queued down the street in anticipation of tonight’s festivities!

Crown The King are an Irish five-piece that has been ripping up the Irish pop-punk scene, hailing from Dublin they are the go-to band In Ireland if Pop-punk is your thing. The guys are ever present on the Irish scene, working tirelessly to get their name out there and with a raft of highly addictive sing-along pop-punk anthems that seem to be going down well with the Belfast faithful. They band out a series of blistering fan favs as well as the odd cover, toss in a wee cheeky Tay Tay number (Taylor Swift) and a cheeky Westlife cover of ‘How am I supposed to leave you now’ (when you’re looking like that) and you’ve won over the ladies in the room. All in all a banging set from the guys to get the evening off to a high-energy, high-octane start and we still have PRF to come! Sweet baby Jesus how am I going to cope?

https://crowntheking.ie

 

 

A frantic changeover takes place as the Irish lads clear the stage of all their gear for the onslaught of PRF. As the crowd builds up and more and more bodies appear behind me the emo-pop-punk anthems are pouring out of the PA above me and the crowd is really starting to get into this, I can tell this is going to get messy. As the Vengaboys start playing I know it’s almost stage time and right on time the lads arrive to rapturous applause.

Punk Rock Factory is a UK pop-punk band that has been making waves in the music industry for their catchy tunes and electrifying live performances. The band, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Tom, bassist James, and drummer Matt, has become known for their high-energy shows that leave audiences jumping and singing along.

The band’s music is a seamless blend of classic pop-punk and modern rock, with catchy hooks and infectious melodies that have earned them a dedicated following within the genre. Their live performances are a true testament to their talent and passion for their music, as they bring their songs to life on stage with unparalleled energy and enthusiasm.

PRF has become a popular name within the pop-punk scene, gaining a large and dedicated following of fans who adore their music and love to sing along to their catchy choruses. They have been praised for their unique sound, which combines classic pop-punk elements with a modern twist, making them stand out from other bands in the genre.

Their live performances are where the band truly shines, as they bring their music to life with a powerful and energetic stage presence. Tom’s vocals are impressive, effortlessly transitioning from clean singing to aggressive screams, while James’ bass lines provide a solid foundation for Matt’s thunderous drumming.

One of the things that sets PRF apart from other bands in the genre is their ability to connect with their audience. They actively engage with their fans throughout their shows, encouraging them to sing along and jump to the music. They often pause between songs to talk to the crowd and share their experiences, making their shows feel like a true celebration of their music and their fans.

The band’s popularity within the pop-punk scene has continued to grow, with their music earning them spots on various playlists and radio shows. Their recent album release has received critical acclaim, cementing their place as a rising star in the genre.

Punk Rock Factory is a band that stands out within the pop-punk genre, thanks to their unique approach and electrifying live performances. Their ability to connect with their fans and bring their music to life on stage has earned them a dedicated following, and their popularity within the scene shows no signs of slowing down. If you have the chance to see them live, do not miss out on the opportunity to experience their energy and passion firsthand. Belfast was consumed by the craic tonight, a party atmosphere from start to finish and an absolutely rammed LL2 speaks volumes of the popularity of both Punk Rock Factory, and the love for pop-punk-rock and a bit of genre-fluidity here on the island of Ireland. We are always ready to roll out the proverbial red carpet when required, come back soon lads!

https://www.facebook.com/punkrockfactory

 

 

The band have sold out both of their UK headline tours to date (8000 tickets just this Feb/Mar), and hit the road again for a dozen shows in Oct/Nov 2023.

Special guests will be Adam & The Metal Hawks, plus a DJ set from Matt Stocks. Younger fans will be delighted that the majority of the Oct/Nov dates are aged 8+ (under 14s must be accompanied, under 16s in Brighton), with just Bristol and Norwich shows aged 14+.

Come along and sing your heart out! The headline UK dates to catch PUNK ROCK FACTORY are:

It’s Just A Stage We’re Going Through

WITH ADAM & THE METAL HAWKS AND A DJ SET FROM MATT STOCKS:

Thu 19th Oct – BRISTOL SWX

Fri 20th Oct – GLASGOW O2 Academy

Sat 21st Oct – NEWCASTLE University

Sun 22nd Oct – SHEFFIELD O2 Academy 2

Tue 24th Oct – NORWICH Epic Studios

Wed 25th Oct – BRIGHTON Concorde 2

Fri 27th Oct – OXFORD O2 Academy

Sat 28th Oct – LEEDS Uni Stylus

Sun 29th Oct – LONDON O2 Academy Islington

Wed 1st Nov – SOUTHAMPTON 1865

Fri 3rd Nov – MANCHESTER O2 Ritz

Sat 4th Nov – BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute

To buy tickets for this tour, and for a full list of all performances, including festivals already confirmed for 2023, please visit www.punkrockfactory.com.

Yesterday, the group also announced an upcoming live stream as a special treat for fans who’d love to see what PUNK ROCK FACTORY’s live show is all about, but haven’t been able to see them yet – or also perhaps as a recap of a brilliant night out if they have! Filmed live at their recent sold out Nottingham show at the infamous Rock City, catch the Excellent Adventure tour live on Moment! Depending on where you are located, you can watch the show at the following dates and times:

North & South America – 26th April at 8pm EST

Asia/Australia/New Zealand – 27th April at 8pm AEST

UK/Europe/Africa – 27th April at 6pm BST

Playback will be available for 48 hours afterwards. In an effort to make it as accessible as possible, the band have kept live stream ticket prices to just $5 (or whatever that converts to in your local currency).

Get tickets now at: https://www.moment.co/punkrockfactory. A limited number of virtual VIP meet & greet tickets are also available.

New album It’s Just A Stage We’re Going Through is out now.

Check out our review HERE:

Find PUNK ROCK FACTORY Online

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube  TikTok  Web