Month: May 2023

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

Good evening Liverpool!

It’s 2023, forget the war raging in Europe or the cost-of-living crisis, it is time to flock (for most of us, virtually) to Liverpool to witness the reality defying spectacle that is Eurovision!

Liverpool, I hear you ask? Does this mean the UK won Eurovision in 2022… nah! Well, to be honest, the UK came pretty close to it with Sam Ryder snatching second place. The sentimental favourite, Ukraine won Eurovision 2022, but since Europe and the Eurovision officials are not inclined to sit under a hail of Russian drones, the UK is hosting Eurovision 2023!

And what better country to do so – the UK has won Eurovision five times (albeit most of them several centuries ago) and has only just conducted its Eurovision dress rehearsal, abound with outrageous costumes, bewildering traditions, dramatic choreography – although I have been assured that all swords will have to be checked in at the cloak room.

So, what can we expect from Eurovision 2023? Soaring voices, thumping beats, a millinery of hats, broken hearts, and of course a fair number of ho-hum tunes and inane lyrics. The hosts will hail from the UK and the Ukraine, a sure recipe for some very tedious on-stage banter!

Who stands to gain from all this? The economy in Liverpool, apparently, having swiftly exchanged coronation souvenirs with cheap blue and yellow flags, fridge magnets, beanies and scarfs. Semis are on Tuesday and Thursday this week and the finales Saturday May 13.

So, hang in there with us, Club Douze Points, who will bring you expert reviews of all entries!