Since the release of last-year’s critically lauded, ‘Euro-Countries’, CMAT has rightly taken her place on the thrown as the princess of pop, with her rise and rise seemingly being unstoppable. As she brought her, ‘It’s The Euro-Country’ tour to Halifax she showcased exactly why she is deserving of this title, it’s just taken the rest of the world time to catch up.
Kicking off the set was a blistering rendition of, ‘Jamie Oliver Petrol Station’, with the crowd instantly electric.
With each take of the chorus, you could hear the crowd passionately bellowing out each and every word. A truly special way to kick off the evening.
‘I Don’t Really Care for You’ came next and was followed by the country stylings of, ‘When a Good Man Cries’ which turned the historic Piece Hall into a hoedown. What was apparent throughout the night was the fact the crowd was hungry for tracks from her latest outing, a rare privilege for any artist let alone one with the back-catalogue quality of CMAT.
CMAT on stage at Piece Hall in Halifax in July 2026 – Photo Credit: Cuffe and Taylor
The highlight of the evening was a cover of Kate Bush’s classic, ‘Wuthering Heights’, fitting as the show took place only a stones throw from the historic Bronte country. I know I’m not the first to mention it, but it cannot be repeated enough, just how excellent this cover is. It’s a hard song to sing and CMAT does it to perfection. I fail to recall the last time I saw a crowd as mesmerised by a performance. It was truly something special!
‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ was the sing-along moment of the evening, and was followed by, ‘Where Are Your Kids Tonight?’, ‘Nashville’ and, ‘Rent’ before the titular, ‘Euro-Countries’ blew the proverbial roof off the venue. A special shoutout has to go to the CMAT band, in-particular with this track, as their musicianship truly helped the track feel stratospheric. The melody, the voice, the venue, it was one of those very rare gig-going moments that you’ll think about for a long time!
CMAT is a true tour de force and a very very special talent, her live show only goes to exemplify that further. To see an artist achieve the things she has completely on her own terms and sell a venue like The Piece Hall to rafters can only be described as inspirational. For 2 hours she commanded each and every member of the audience effortlessly and crafted moments that will live long in the mind of every attendee.
WORDS BY TOM DIBB
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