A self-funded folk-rock album recorded by The Chartists in a Cardiff University studio decades ago is being re-released in a remastered and expanded edition. The Chartists at Sophia Gardens (Image: Submitted)The album was originally recorded in a Cardiff University studio during a covert, overnight session and quickly gained a cult following. Mr Cripps said: "Because the songs were interconnected, we asked the audience to hold any applause until the end. The emotional performance led to a series of BBC Radio broadcasts and, eventually, a more polished daytime studio recording. Mr Jones said: "When we first recorded the album, we had no money but we did know someone who could sneak us into Cardiff University’s studio.