PUNK ROCK FACTORY // BARROWLAND BALLROOM, GLASGOW
THE “WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT” TOUR COMES TO GLASGOW
★★★★★ (5/5)
PUNK ROCK FACTORY PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S BARROWLAND BALLROOM
PHOTOCREDIT: PAUL STORR PHOTOGRAPHY
Getting the party started tonight is Sean Smith, of The Blackout, Raiders, and Sappenin’ Podcast fame. Taking his post behind the decks as soon as the doors open and playing right until the live music begins, he curates a masterclass in crowd warming with a great mix of songs to get everyone going.
When South Coast pop punkers The Bottom Line hit the stage, it’s immediately evident they are the perfect openers for this show. Their energy is immediate and relentless, with the band barely stopping to take a breath.
The setlist is a blast of high energy anthems, kicked off by the explosive opener "Long Time Coming." A major highlight comes during "Better Than This" when Punk Rock Factory frontman Peej Edwards storms the stage for a guest vocal spot, sending the Barrowland crowd into a total frenzy. Other standouts include "RIP" and "Youth," both of which are for their pure "bouncability"—is that even a word?! We’re keeping it, because it fits the vibe perfectly.
Frontman Callum Amies isn't content staying behind the barrier - towards the end of the set, he is right in amongst the crowd.
The Bottom Line are leaving this place well and truly won over, you can tell next time they come back that most of tonight’s crowd will be present to witness it!
Sean Smith is back on the decks in the interim, bantering back and forth with the crowd to get a bigger response each time - that of which he succeeds to do so! But it isn't long before headliners Punk Rock Factory take to the stage.
The Welsh powerhouse that is Punk Rock Factory has carved out a massive niche by giving a pop punk makeover to everything from old school hits like "Livin La Vida Loca" and "Mamma Mia" to Disney singalongs. There’s a cheeky nod to the fact that Deftones are playing the Hydro tonight, but the band is quick to point out that everyone who matters is right here.
The band takes a moment to reflect on their evolution in Glasgow, moving from the Cathouse in 2021 to the legendary Barrowlands tonight. After joking about their long drive and how they could have ended up "Under The Sea," they launch into their version of the Disney classic. The energy stays peak with tracks like "Cest La Vie" and “You’re Welcome” keeping the floor moving.
The spectacle ramps up as Peej appears in a shiny pink jacket to pull two fans, Emma and Ruby, onto the stage for a game of Connect 4. While the band rips through the "Chucklevision" theme, the two compete for a prize that is jokingly described as a "dog shit" trophy, though it's actually a personalized "Punk Rock Factory Connect 4 Champion Glasgow" award (though it is in fact inscribed on a trophy shaped like a poo!). Emma clinches the win before the song even finishes. The jacket itself becomes a character - every time Peej tries to take it off he is met with profuse boos until he caves and puts it back on. He even jokes about swapping his blue jacket for a green one to navigate the Glasgow football divide, but the pink one gets the loudest cheer.
The energy remains relentless through a medley featuring "Animaniacs," "Power Rangers," and "Pokemon". As the set nears its end with "Life Is A Highway," Sean Smith returns to help throw inflatable animals into the crowd.
By the time they close out with "Let It Go" and "Wish Upon a Star," it's clear that Punk Rock Factory has turned the Barrowlands into the loudest, sweatiest singalong in Scotland.
Pop punk is well and truly alive and kicking in the East End of Glasgow!
REVIEW & PHOTOS BY PAUL STORR PHOTOGRAPHY