Punk Rock Factory // It’s Just A Stage We’re Going Through // Album Review

Ever since seeing Punk Rock Factory at Bloodstock, I’ve been slightly obsessed with them and their incredible ability to turn Disney and TV theme songs into pop punk masterpieces. When I heard that they were bringing out a new album of reworked musical hits, I knew I had to hear it. It’s been a few years since the band released a new album and the build-up for this release has been everywhere from Facebook to TikTok to get fans excited about this latest album, ‘Its Just a Stage, We’re Going Through”.

Starting with one of the biggest musical hits of the last 10 years, the band’s cover of “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman is an excellent opening track. However, it’s their version of Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back” that will really get you excited. It’s a perfect blend of that theatrical feel that musicals have with a rock edge that have you tapping along in seconds. With lots of different shows to choose from the band have pulled together everything from classics like Wicked’s “Defying Gravity” to the more modern “City of Stars” from La La Land. It’s with an old favourite of “I Dreamed A Dream” however that showcases the talent that these guys have as they turn one of the saddest musicals into a fast and upbeat pop-punk song. Rather than sobbing into tissue you’re now bouncing and rocking out! The reworked version of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born does keep a little of the slower pace of the original yet fits perfectly with the driving riff. Ending the album with “I Follow Him” from Sister Act the band keeps some of that higher power feel to the song while throwing a powerful guitar riff behind it that you can still rock out and will no doubt work great live as a sing-along hit.

There has been a surge over the past few years of reworking classic songs, especially Disney songs into punk rock versions. Punk Rock Factory have been there and done that so this development into musicals is the perfect next step for these guys. As with everything they’ve converted so far, this is just another masterpiece and these new songs will no doubt fit perfectly into their live show which will be on tour later this year.

Tracklist

1. 1  Rewrite The Stars (The Greatest Showman)
2. 2  You’ll Be Back (Hamilton)
3. 3  Waving Through A Window (ft. Jeff Stinco – Simple Plan) (Dear Evan Hansen)
4. 4  December 1963 (Oh What A Night!) (Jersey Boys)
5. 5  Defying Gravity (Wicked)
6. 6  I Dreamed A Dream (Les Miserables)
7. 7  City Of Stars (La La Land)
8. 8  Mamma Mia (Mamma Mia)
9. 9  Shallow (A Star Is Born)
10. 10  You’re The One That I Want (Grease)

11. 11  I Will Follow Him (Sister Act)