AN ODE TO THE REALITIES OF HOME: CMAT’S EURO-COUNTRY
SINGLE REVIEW | CMAT – EURO COUNTRY by Isobel O’Mahony
Creator of the ‘Woke Macarena’ and incredible singer-songwriter CMAT has been teasing listeners with singles off her upcoming album for months. She’s been “Running/Planning”, doing the butcher, the baker, in “Take A Sexy Picture of Me” and getting into some trouble with “Jamie Oliver Petrol Station”. Now it’s time for the title track, “EURO-COUNTRY”.
Glimpses into the album so far have shown us satirical yet honest views into very real societal pressures of women and those in the public eye, and whilst this track carries on those messages, it goes deeper. In comparison to the previously released tracks, “EURO-COUNTRY” is less pop-py, twisting beautifully put words around melancholic, distant tones. Lyrics strip back to reveal the very personal connection between the artist and “the love of her life, the most toxic boyfriend she’s ever had”: Ireland.
The track opens with a magically, misty verse in Irish. Its stunningly haunting and again, contrasts vastly to the previous more campy, brilliant releases. Her voice trickles through the opening notes, leading into steady drums and sopranic vocals. CMAT’s voice is an unforgettable song, hitting notes I can only dream of. In this single, her vocals carry personal heartbreak, nostalgia and attachment and deliver it intensely.
Each verse has been crafted as a melancholic yet sweet ode to her home. The chorus is catchy but distorts itself with reverbed echoes that almost mess up your sense of time. Rhythmically, lyrically and spiritually, she is in your head.
The bridge is the shining star of the track for me (although it is a close call with the introduction). The amount of direct symbolism and stories told in such a short verse is astounding and speaks volumes. CMAT is a brilliant lyricist because she is real, tells it how it is. As great as a fantastical, escapist tune can be, words that speak to you immediately make the most impact, they’re the ones people scream back live.
“EURO-COUNTRY” is a beautiful track that has shifted the expectations of the pending record for me, which I believe was the masterful intention. Whilst I still think this will be her best record yet, despite my love for Crazymad, For Me, I now know that we as listeners have been given a gracious look into the inner workings of CMAT’s mind – yet am unsure what to expect next.
There is a loyalty to herself and her background, whilst the reality still makes itself present, making for enthralling art that we can either enjoy simply at face value or resound with deeply. It is also just incredible to listen to, and she’s rather bloody good. EURO-COUNTRY, the record, comes out August 22nd, but can we wait till then?
