Album Notes

Alternately described as "drunken sailors on shore leave", and "purveyors of whiskey-fueled Irish mayhem" Siòbhan (shuh-von) have been graciously providing a much-needed kick-in-the-ass to all that is folk in Canada. In this short time, they have become one of Ontario's most exciting and powerful Irish acts. This raucous 6-member band combines talent, energy and nine instruments to create their own unique brand of loud, in-your-face Irish punk.

With two CDs under their belts (March 2001's McGravy's Iron Liver EP and June 2002's "The Patron Saints of Debauchery") Siòbhan has taken their live show to new heights, showering crowds with beer and insults from Ottawa to Berlin, and many inebriated points in between.

"Welfare State" is the band's definitive statement: an all-original opus that maintains their usual booze-soaked celtic sound, while delving into gypsy, country and straight ahead Punk Rock with a newfound maturity.