There’s an intriguing debate to be had as to how drastically a cover version can change a song, before it becomes less of an emulation than something altogether more unique. With a catalogue that spans punk versions of songs from boybands to Disney soundtracks, south Wales’ Punk Rock Factory succeed in capturing the soaring melodic nature of the anthems they cover, while adding a sense of zealous freneticism to them.

Cardiff trio Junior open the show, their anthemic and heartfelt style of pop-punk lending that sense of joyful exuberance, that the genre thrives on. While few people here seem familiar with the band’s music, their songs yearn to be sung along with, as frontman Matt Attard’s commands to the audience to jump in time with the vibrant melodies are gleefully obliged. Never Let You Down proved a deeply emotive moment, the part in the set where my feelings were elevated from merely impressed to astonished by the band’s technical versatility and song crafting. I daresay our support act has found a few new fans tonight. 

Opening with Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), which I’m embarrassed to say I know all the words to, Punk Rock Factory waste no time in exciting the crowd with their raucous rewrites. Under The Sea provokes the first huge crowd reaction. However, it’s not until later that an incredibly fun atmosphere begins to take hold. You’ll Be Back, from Hamilton, sees the band leading the audience in a singalong competition, and later we’re encouraged to shout out theme tunes for the band to perform – leading to crazed renditions of the SpongeBob and Thundercats themes.

The band even bring Sean Smith, formerly of The Blackout, on stage for a version of Papa Roach’s Last Resort. It’s here that the first circle-pit of the night breaks out, the size of which is only eclipsed by the one that consumes the venue floor during Elton John’s Lion King-soundtracking Can You Feel The Love Tonight.

As the band closes with Frozen’s ubiquitous Let It Go, surges of pink confetti are unleashed onto the crowd. While you can argue that it’s too much confetti for a venue of this size, it’s a fitting end to a performance by a band that places people’s enjoyment at the forefront of everything they do. Selling out the Great Hall on the strength of Disney covers is an impressive feat, but it’s a testament to Punk Rock Factory’s stage presence, and the skill with which they perform, that this looks like the beginning of still greater popularity.

Punk Rock Factory, Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 25 Mar

words ALEX SWIFT photos OWIN WONG