CMAT put on a Coachella-sized show at The Granada

CMAT. // photo by Nick Spacek

CMAT
with Kat King
The Granada
Saturday, April 25

Touring in support of her latest release, Euro-Country, and hot on the heels of two star-making sets at Coachella, Irish country pop sensation CMAT made her way to the Granada in Lawrence Saturday night and the city turned out for it. Cowboy hats and fringe were de rigeur, as was singing along at the absolute top of your lungs. Whether it was to the band’s walkout music of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” or any of the numerous singles from Euro-Country, voices were raised.

From the moment the singer appeared, spotlit, on the Granada’s upper balcony, she had the crowd in the palm of her hand. She danced, the band danced, jokes were made, and CMAT put on a show. Seven of Euro-Country‘s 12 tracks made their way into the set, with every single receiving rapturous response, and especially “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station” lyric: “I’m saying, okay, don’t be a bitch.”

It was one of those shows where, by the second song, you knew that you were at one of those shows that a year or two from now nobody will believe happened at such a small venue. While packed, the show was far from sold out, and literally everyone I’ve spoken to about it in the days following has told all who would listen that if you weren’t there, you missed out.

Kat King. // photo by Nick Spacek

Kansas City’s own Kat King opened the show, and a more perfect choice, I could not imagine. The band and their eponymous frontwoman won quite a few new fans with her equally poppy, though more rocking songs. A well-chosen cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” as a closer left the audience wanting more, and ably primed the venue for what was to come.

All photos by Nick Spacek

CMAT

CMAT setlist
Janis Joplining
The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station
I Don’t Really Care for You
When a Good Man Cries
2 Wrecked 2 Care
Lollipop Guild (Snippet)
Aw, Shoot!
Tree Six Foive
Have Fun!
No More Virgos (Snippet, from sign request)
Take a Sexy Picture of Me
Such a Miranda (Solo)
Rent
Running/Planning
—
EURO-COUNTRY
I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!
Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover)
Stay for Something

Kat King