Word: Clíona McCann
Following up her viral hit ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’, is CMAT’s newest single, ‘EURO-COUNTRY’, an ode to the reality of life in modern Ireland.
CMAT grew up in Dunboyne, County Meath during the ‘Celtic Tiger’ and came of age in its direct aftermath. The ‘Celtic Tiger’ was a period of rapid economic growth in Ireland which spanned from the late 90s until the global financial crisis in 2008. CMAT witnessed the devastation firsthand in the late 2000s which changed all aspects of Irish life, providing background for both the album and titular single ‘EURO-COUNTRY’.
This song’s release seems to be perfectly timed; it feels as though the entire world has its eyes on Ireland. Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal, and Saoirse Ronan are dominating our screens. Kneecap and Fontaines DC are headlining some of the world’s most popular music festivals. Everyone is wearing claddagh rings, Guinness t-shirts and sláinte hats. The BBC has started to televise Irish sport to the entire UK for the first time ever. But CMAT has her own reservations about the recent Irish cultural boom. The song begins solemnly with a verse in Irish, harking back to staple Irish traditional ballads. Stripped back accompaniment immediately sets the tone. This song is not just another certified CMAT banger, it’s her love letter to the Ireland that could have been.
The drums kick in and pick up the pace. CMAT’s distinct lyrical style is immediately captivating. She compares Cú Chulainn, a historic figure from Irish mythology, to 2000s tabloid and pop culture icon, Kerry Katona, purposefully conflating the two. CMAT’s unusual comparisons paint a picture of a lost cultural identity as she even personifies Ireland as ‘trying to be something he’s not’.
The production of the single is reminiscent of the country-style ballads CMAT is known for, complete with subtle slide guitar framing the lilting melody. The instrumentation grounds the song and allows CMAT’s vocals to shine, yet they never feel bare or lacking. The chorus is littered with high-pitched refrains after each ‘My Euro-Country’. It feels as though CMAT is having a conversation with her younger self, reflecting on crushed dreams- ‘Everything I thought that I could be (He cut it in half)’.
The single then soars into the bridge, the beating heart of the song. She names Bertie Ahern, the former Taoiseach of Ireland, and in the same breath references the ‘envelopes’ containing cash bribes he was accepting. CMAT delivers soul-piercing powerhouse vocals and lyrics as she defiantly calls out the Irish government for their complacency during and after the 2008 financial crisis. The bridge is equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking.
The lyrics of ‘EURO-COUNTRY’, although inspired by events from over 15 years ago, still ring true now.
Despite the worldwide love that we Irish are currently experiencing, it feels impossible for most young people to build a life in Ireland. Thousands of homes lie empty as rent prices soar. Graduate jobs are difficult to come across, and competition is fierce. Young adults are increasingly choosing to emigrate to Australia rather than settle at home. It seems that everyone gets to enjoy Irishness, except the Irish.
It’s safe to say that CMAT has once again delivered an absolute hit. ‘EURO-COUNTRY’ is my favourite single so far- powerful, catchy and filled with raw emotion. Do yourself a favour and listen to this one… you might find yourself anticipating her album as much as me!
Qulture Magazine 
Leave a comment