Not that it needs a explanation but CMAT has had a killer 2025; ‘EURO-COUNTRY’ nominated for the Mercury Prize, named as one of BBC Radio 6’s artists of the year, and taking to the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury.
So her sold out show at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre really solidified this.
She opened the show with the closing song from ‘EURO-COUNTRY’, ‘Janis Joppling’ and the very first lyric, “I’m a writer, baby”, had everyone’s heads turn to the the back of the room where she delivered raw vocals and drama that had the audience hooked.
She walked through the crowd to join her ‘very sexy band’ on stage, where it becomes clear how extravagant her stage set-up is, the most impressive I have seen at a small show. A huge euro hangs from the stage with her face on it, and lights on stage with big stars on them. Her attention to detail and not to mention her catalogue of tunes shows she’s ready for big festivals and arenas.
Her comedic tone shines throughout the show, whether that’s in her songs like ‘The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station’ or just in between songs where she interacts with fans, reading their signs and joking around with her bandmates.
Amid the moments of joy, there were times for more somber reflections from CMAT. She paused to share the story behind her viral hit “Take a sexy picture of me”, which is a song aimed at the internet trolls who commented on her appearance over festival season. Futhermore, she joked about a “barrage of sad songs” coming our way, no one seemed to mind; it simply gave CMAT a chance to show Sheffield her flawless vocal rnage.
What became very transparent very quickly it’s not just CMAT flying solo up there, the show really is CMAT and her “Very Sexy CMAT Band”. They’re woven into every part of the performance; doubling as back-up dancers, downing drinks with her, and providing music to the comedic chaos. It felt like watching a tight-knit group of friends having fun while playing some great music. CMAT really lets them shine, introducing each member and giving each member their moment – introducing her drummer by telling her to play an “obnoxious drum solo”.
Talking of CMAT sharing the spotlight, it felt like her whole show was an ode to Sheffield. Declaring the Steel City her favourite place for music and a pint (and being the first stop on the tour she’s had a drink on). She was also very appreciating of the Octagon and the staff as they looked after fans by giving water. Declaring the staff the best she had seen on tour so far.
Before saying goodbye to Sheffield, CMAT returned for an energy filled encore, easily the highlight of the show for me. She had the whole of the Octagon Centre doing the ‘Dunboyne, County Meath two-step’ to “I Wanna Be A Cowboy Baby”. She followed it with a flawless performance of “Stay For Something” which was ecstatic to hear live.
Her set at the Octagon Centre was 2 hours of pure fun and energy and made Sheffield forget about a dreary winters night, one thing for certain everyone should be excited about CMAT.
