On Saturday, May 9, 2026, there was a punk rock takeover at the Broom Factory starring Strung Out, Belvedere, and Brockville’s own Anchored Lines. 

In light of the 20th anniversary, the night featured songs from Strung Out’s 2004 album Exile in Oblivion, which evoked nostalgia in the crowd. The venue’s floor plan aided this nostalgic effect, as the crowd was huddled in the main venue room of the sold-out show. It reminded some of punk shows they’d attended in basements and other intimate venues back in the day. The crowd was all huddled into one room rocking out side by side, while of course leaving some room for a mosh pit. Devoted fans travelled from nearby cities, adorned in their music memorabilia, to experience the evening, which is a testament to those seeking live music to rock out to. 

Strung Out’s lead singer Jason Cruz utilized his voice in providing the crowd with some spurts of much needed screaming and some front man dialogue to get the crowd going. The older songs they played were reminiscent of traditional punk, influenced by ska and the 2000s metal era.

I’ve seen the Calgary based band, Belvedere, last year at Spring Reverb at the Mansion (RIP to a Kingston treasure) and was excited to come back for more. The band has more of a pop-punk sound than Strung Out, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from getting the crowd jumping, headbanging, and moshing to their discography.

With the support of a local heavy metal band the line up was curated for an evening of metal sounds, headbanging till your neck hurts, and kicking the air. Which encourages myself to keep an eye on this month's Punk Rock Flea Market at the Broom Factory on May 30th.

What I’d like to see next? A lineup of bands that remind us of the Riot Grrrl, political, punk, and continuously loud.