Welfare State just scraped into the Shite’n’Onions 2004 top 10 CD’s of the year at number 10, and that was only after 2 listens at that point. If I had a chance to give it a real blast it would have been higher, much higher and since I set the rules and compile the list, I think I’m going to include it in 2005 list as well. Siobhan have come a long way since recording McGravy’s Iron Liver” in a basement with a single microphone and a Casio keyboard, and while that was good and their first full length, “The Patron Saints of Debauchery” was better, “Welfare State” is fantastic. Occupying a musical middle ground between The Pogues and Flogging Molly – high energy whiskey and vodka inspired Celt-Punk with a few familiar melodies. Not a bad track insight but particular standouts include; “Jakeys gone to Germany”(about touring with Neck), the re-recorded very maniac “Celtbot” and “Straight from hell”. Very highly recomended

February 2005