Day: May 8, 2023

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Ireland, Germany, Finland

Ireland: We are one by Wild Youth

I am usually an absolute sucker for songs that are anthemic and uplifting; with soft vocals with a simple beat and riff that lead to an absolute belter of a chorus that encourages everyone to shout out the lyrics. However, a great anthem needs to work for it, a catchy but refined first verse with enticing lyrics to keep you waiting for that intense chorus. We Are One by Wild Youth fails to create that enticing build-up, which then makes the chorus, with the key change and the newly introduced lead guitar and synthesizer fall flat. Wild Youth really tries to hone in on the key anthemic sounds toward the end by repeating the chorus with an added bass drum, but just feels rushed and unsatisfactory without enough effort or thought into the verse that needs to lead into the more emotionally serious chorus.

My feelings about “anthemic” pop songs aside, lyrically it’s cliche in all the fun ways. Focusing on unity and accepting differences without any substance that challenges any political point of view. Despite my issues with this song, I still know its going to be stuck in my head for a few days before I end up adding it to my listening playlist anyway.

Reviewed by

Chris Irving

Germany: Blood and Glitter by Lord of the Lost

I am 1000% backing this entry to win (even though I doubt they will). Lord of the Lost are what I expect to happen if a bunch of drag queens had babies with Marilyn Manson and I can’t even express how happy this makes me!

Blood and Glitter is a catchy tune, a mix of a sweet lullaby interlude with screamo metal, and is a joy to behold! This clip (which I’ve played about 4 times in a row this morning) gets better with every viewing. The spandex outfits, the glitter lips and monobrows, the intense staring into your soul, the half-naked group worshipping blood shower – I want to meet these guys and talk philosophy with them so bad!

Do your eyes and ears a favour and watch the video clip IMMEDIATELY! Es ist sehr gut!!!

Reviewed by

Georgina Binns

Finland: Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä

Ballroom dancers, be warned – this is not that kind of Cuban Latin cha-cha-cha… on the contrary, it is something far better: an utterly addictive techno-beat with plenty of synth, autotune and a bit of Mario Brothers. The genius is that the fairly abrasive and hammering opening gives way to melodic disco sounds whilst keeping the relentless tempo. Coupled with excellent green puffy sleeves (which I hope will make it onto the stage in Liverpool), this could go far!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

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Albania, Armenia, Cyprus

Albania: Duje by Albina & Familja Kelmendi

With the best running mascara of the competition, Albina dishes out big emotions of loss and family. The video is in a dramatic black and white with colourful flashbacks to better times of happy family life. All this delivered in her native language inclusive of the typical wailing and bagpipe sounds we all so detest. The whole family (mum, dad, brother, sisters) will be on stage in Liverpool….possibly a first for Eurovision. Still no further than the semis for me!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Armenia: Future Lover by Brunette

Sporting impressive cornrows and plaits the length of the country, Brunette delivers a song in two parts. The fragile Brunette with her delicate and ethereal sounds wanting to be good, do good, look good, gives way to badass Brunette street rapping with her cold heart, cold hands and fire in her veins. Both Brunettes are an uneasy union, but it could work on stage. It is a shame the song limps to the finish, rather than set off the much-promised volcano.

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Cyprus: Break A Broken Heart by Andrew Lambrou

Andrew, who could be a werewolf, howls his way through breaking a broken heart, with an impressive vocal range and a decent helping of autotuning. Most of us are probably struggling with the grammatical proposition – is the heart already broken and is it being broken into even smaller smithereens, or is it so broken that it can’t be broken again, or do two acts of breaking the heart actually heal it??? And at that point, we have reached the three minutes and the song is over and already forgotten.

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

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Australia, Ukraine, France, Malta

Australia: Promise by Voyager

I first saw Voyager in 2014, when I took my now-partner to ProgFest in Melbourne for our third date. I think they were headlining, and I disliked them immensely – they seemed too poppy and really full of themselves on stage, and after a couple songs I walked out to grab a drink instead. 

Fast forward to 2023 and the ads for Voyager representing Australia have been played on SBS nightly, and every time I roll my eyes and think: “Yep, they’re perfect for this”. But I just watched the official video for the first time and listened to the song in full, and honestly – they could actually be strong contenders this year! There is no key change in Promise, which will hold them back from winning I reckon, but if they have a wind machine to help them whip their hair around on stage, then the lack of key change could possibly be overlooked. Simple and catchy lyrics, synth notes and metal guitar riffs, big eyebrows and a keytar – what more could we ask for?

Reviewed by

George Binns

Ukraine: Heart of Steel by Tvorchi

Ukraine is defending their title this year with a very different act to represent them – Tvorchi are two very cool looking dudes telling us all to say what we think and to be brave about it. They look like club bouncers that you need to be super nice to, lest they throw you out on your ass. The clip is poignant and opens with the pair looking into a bright doorway from the dark, with black ash falling about them – and the song is clearly a staunch ‘middle finger in the air’ in the form of an early 00’s RNB club banger. I am SO here for this song, even without a much-needed key change! The beat is defiant and sexy, and I want to be bravely grinding on the dance floor now please.

I backed Ukraine to win last year, and I’m not as certain this year, but regardless – SLAVA UKRAINI!

France: Évidemment by La Zarra

It’s evident that La Zarra from France doesn’t hide her ability to sing behind those new-fangled voice manipulation doohickeys. She has elegance, a beautiful voice, simplicity and lack of excess (although only when viewed from a Eurovision frame of reference; naturally there is no shortage of strings, sequins and synchronised lights). I didn’t understand the lyrics, though that might have been because she was singing in French. I’ve also no idea what the audience will think of her because she sings like a singer instead of a pop star, but I liked it.

Reviewed by

Jim McLean

Malta – Dance (Our Own Party) by The Busker

The Busker from Malta have put together a nice tune with a catchy rhythm. It almost got me boppin’ (almost)! Nice to see a Eurovision entry that doesn’t take itself too seriously (ok, they take themselves pretty seriously, but in a light-hearted way). In a refreshing change, some of them can play their instruments, too. I don’t know the Eurovision rules, but I guess there’s a minimum quota of glitter and sequins that all entrants must meet, which explains a couple of the scenes. Possibly not a big crowd pleaser, but I didn’t mind listening to it.

Reviewed by

Jim McLean

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Belgium, Czech Republic, Serbia

Belgium: Because of You by Gustaph

Did I just witness voguing in a Eurovision music video?? And gorgeous drag queens, too! Love it. The song and video give me 90s vibes with the outfits of dancers, the three backup singers and the cheery tune. The song is no doubt better than most that make it to Eurovision and takes repetition well. I fear that it lacks the needed kick to stand apart from the rest of the competition, as it must stand out memorably from tens and tens of other contestants. However, seeing the theme of the music video, I can’t wait to see the actual show in Liverpool!

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti

Czech Republic: My Sister’s Crown by Vesna

I am rather taken by this song; it feels unique and sounds lovely. Wikipedia reveals that Vesna is a Czech folk band, which shows in both the music style and the video. The song is half in Czechs and half in English and is mostly choir type of group singing, which sounds beautiful. For me, the fluent alternation of languages makes the song well approachable while maintaining national identity as a signature element of this contest piece. The music video captures attention with its choreography, unconventional makeup, and interesting costumes that I (want to) believe are inspired by Czech style traditional wear. Even better, the group sings of gender equality and how its everyone’s business, making me give two thumbs up for this one.

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti

Serbia: Samo Mi Se Spava by Luke Black

Luke Blacks’ Samo Mi Se Spava is a surprisingly modern take from Serbia, displaying a sci-fi gamer dystopia with more than a hint of anxiety. And why not, things have been quite fucked up in Europe lately and all that stuff is pushing closer to the everyday lives of Europeans. Blacks’ interpretation appears to be the perspective of a gamer with a tendency to escape the burning reality into a game world or perhaps just sleep through it all. The song, however, isn’t very catchy and I’m afraid this one might not go very far in the contest.

Reviewed by

Sanni Silvasti

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Azerbaijan, Croatia, Iceland

Azerbaijan: Tell Me More by TuralTuranX

Eurovision is awash with twins – from the Kessler twins (Germany 1959) to the worst twins of all times: Ireland’s Jedward (2011 and 2012). Tural and Turan are comparatively agreeable and cordial – their song best suited for the closing credits of a Netflix rom-com.

Reviewed by Mariella Herberstein

Croatia: Mama ŠČ! by Let 3

I so want to love Let 3’s punk song about mommy who got herself a tractor and kissed a moron (well, haven’t we all, at some stage?). But, man, the song is hard going and likely to divide the voters – those who appreciate the anti- war and right-wing message and those who think it’s simply dreadful. Both would be right!

Reviewed by Mariella Herberstein

Iceland: Power by Diljá

Iceland’s Dilja is a force of nature bringing energy, power and on-stage fog. Wearing a glittering oversized suit, Diljá’s voice sores over a thumping beat with a catchy chorus of female empowerment… yet, the song is somewhat repetitive, without the build-up that takes us to the much-anticipated key-change.  In a year with many strong female contributions, Iceland might just not stand out enough.

Reviewed by Mariella Herberstein

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Estonia, Austria Denmark

Estonia: Bridges by Alika

Inspirations from the glorious Kate Bush are not uncommon at Eurovision, but Alika has certainly taken it to new heights: piano: ✅; elements from ‘Breathing’: ✅; expressive barefoot dancing on red rose petals: ✅. A big voice that taps into familiar territory – definitely a chance for the finales.

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Austria: Who The Hell Is Edgar by Teya & Salena

Packaged up in high octane dance pop comes an unexpected piece of satirical social commentary. There is reference to how little artists are paid (0.003 cent per stream) and how female songwriters struggle to be taken seriously. And all that with reference to gothic poet, Edgar Allan Poe! Some consider this kaleidoscope a bridge too far, I say – let this insanity interrupt the long intervals of horrible sanity!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein

Hansani: very creative and dramatic performance.

Denmark: Breaking My Heart by Reiley

Primary colour enthusiast, Reiley is not afraid of love. Indeed, he is loved by millions of TikTok followers and all the way to South Korea. The song, which seems to only consist of a chorus without a beginning or an end, is light, sweet and catchy synthPop – perfect for the small screen, but will it work live on stage? Enough for the finales, for sure!

Reviewed by

Mariella Herberstein