After a string of triumphant festival appearances and a viral Tik-Tok dance craze, CMAT is finally having her moment. The country-pop singer’s signature tragicomic songwriting and enviable vocal range are turned up to 11 on ‘Euro-Country’, a third full length LP that runs on sharp song-writing and brutally honest self-assessment.
The album’s title track is ushered in by swaying trees and fairytale-esque birdsong. It provides a romantic illusion which is ultimately shattered by its bittersweet mission statement, which details Ireland’s Celtic Tiger era. Over a gorgeous melody, she sings of the economic boom and subsequent recession and its lasting social impact, along with lamenting the erosion of Irish identity and her country’s slide into hyper-capitalism.
The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station finds CMAT vexed by the chef’s seeming omnipresence. With a hook to die for and a final breakdown of epic proportions, it’s a unique moment of brilliance and testament to CMAT’s vision. She later christens herself “the people’s mess; Dunboyne Diana” on When a Good Man Cries, a masterclass in vocal acrobatics.
Iceberg kicks off a run of heartfelt acoustic numbers. No stranger to name-dropping and pop culture references, this tune takes metaphorical inspiration from James Cameron’s Titanic, while on the wistful Coronation St. she’s an extra in a soap opera, trying to get her foot in the door: “I’m 23 and everyone is having fun except for me.”
Along with Running/Planning, CMAT casts herself as an architect of her own pain, seeking approval from partners who don’t deserve and appreciate her. The country-folk jaunt Tree Six Foive denounces a shallow partner who is embarrassed to kiss her on New Year’s Eve. Its piano-plucked bridge has CMAT begging for his full attention before its galloping chorus picks up again, scolding the “walking waste of time.”
Take a Sexy Picture is perhaps the album’s crown jewel — a radio-ready poptastic piece that sees CMAT clapping back at those who criticised her appearance and providing scathing social commentary about beauty standards and ageism directed towards women in the spotlight. Closer Janis Joplining is a stumbling piano dirge that’s equal parts All Saints and Fiona Apple.
But when compared to 2023’s ‘Crazymad, For Me’, which ended with the one-two punch of Stay For Something and Have Fun!, it feels oddly placed and a little underwhelming given the album’s overall spectacle. Still, it’s a minor thing. On ‘Euro-Country’, CMAT can make you laugh and cry in the blink of an eye with quick wit, unflinching emotion and that indelible voice.
CMAT Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu October 02 2025 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Sat October 04 2025 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy
Sun October 05 2025 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Mon October 06 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall
Wed October 08 2025 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Thu October 09 2025 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Fri October 10 2025 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Sun October 12 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Mon October 13 2025 - CAMBRIDGE Corn exchange
Wed October 15 2025 - BRIGHTON Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Thu October 16 2025 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Fri October 17 2025 - NORWICH UEA
Sun October 19 2025 - SHEFFIELD Octagon
Mon October 20 2025 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Wed October 22 2025 - CARDIFF DEPOT
Thu October 23 2025 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
Fri December 05 2025 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Fri March 06 2026 - EDINBURGH Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Sat March 07 2026 - EDINBURGH Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Mon March 09 2026 - BRIGHTON Centre
Wed March 11 2026 - MANCHESTER O2 Victoria Warehouse
Thu March 12 2026 - MANCHESTER O2 Victoria Warehouse
Fri March 13 2026 - LONDON Alexandra Palace
Sat May 30 2026 - DUBLIN St Anne's Park
Sat June 20 2026 - CORK Virgin Media Park
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