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Halloween, Melodi Grand Prix 2024

EerieVision: Day 4

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Good evening guys and ghouls! We continue our collection of creepy Eurovision-related music with Day 4 of the EerieVision Spook Contest.

This next song may have passed you by if you don’t watch the National Final selection shows. Many countries each year let their public decide which song will be chosen to represent them at Eurovision, and sadly this means that some great songs don’t make their way onto the global Eurovision stage. Here is one of those acts.

Gothminister are a Norwegian gothic metal band that formed way back in 1999. The following song ‘We Come Alive’ appeared in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix this year. Gåte were the eventual winner, but we would have loved to have seen this appear on stage in Malmö!

You can find out more about the band on their social media channels, plus check out the offical music video of the song below!

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Sources: Wikipedia / Gothminster.com

 

Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Norway

Melodi Grand Prix 2024 – Heat 3 Song Review

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Here we go again, then! Straight on the back of Ireland choosing their song for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest last night, this evening sees the final heat of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix this year. There’s another six songs hoping to grab a ticket to the final. Once again, I’m taking a listen of the studio versions of each song to see how I think they’ll do in the selection progress. Obviously, the real telling will be in the performances during the live show.

Vidar Villa – “MER”

It’s a chirphy little song, with lyrics in Norwegian – but straight away it sounds like there’s a naughty English word that’s been sneaked into the mix. I’ll have to check the lyrics to confirm, but it would have to be looked at if it won MGP, in order to please the EBU! It’s catchy. I’ve no idea what he’s singing about, but nice to hear the national language. Definitely sounds like something you’d hear on a top-40 radio station. It’s uplifting, and I think it will do quite well tonight with a nice bit of stage. A good start to this week’s heat.

MISTRA – “Waltz of Death”

The song opens with talking, rather that singing. It’s quite unusual, and something that you might hear at one of the more obscure, experimental stages at Glastonbury or somewhere. Plenty of nice guitar riffs, and her voice sounds to me like a mix of Nina from the Cardigans and Sheryl Crow. There’s not really much singing, so it feels more like some kind of spoken poetry – but there’s an interesting dark style, that doesn’t go too crazy at any point, so it’s not likely to scare away too many potential voters. Not sure how it will do, but I quite like it. I think. If it made it to Malmö, I think it could be competing with Ireland’s choice.

Thomas Jenssen – “Take Me To Heaven”

Straight from the offset, this sounds like it’s going to be very good. From the ‘oohs’, funky bassline, guitar riffs and drum loop, it’s both very contemporary, but also reminiscent of the eighties. Thomas’ voice is quite high like The Weeknd or Justin Timberlake. As the song continues, it’s not letting me down. The ‘duh-duh-duh-duh’s’ will have the audience singing along, and I think this would be a very good choice for Malmö. Could see this one easily getting though to the next stage, and I’ve not even seen the staging yet.

Annprincess – “Save Me”

Another decent pop song in tonight’s selection. A few whistles to open the song, and some very Rihanna or Dua Lipa like vocals from Annprincess herself. There’s plenty of energy in the song, and a great beat. If she’s joined by dancers, with a great choreographed routine, this one will be another one to watch. From the single’s artwork, she’s looking very Loreen-like with her long flowing hair and dress, so it’s possible that some inspiration has been taken from both of her winners.  It seems like they’re really saved the best songs for Heat 3. It’s going to be quite a bloodbath this evening. Lots to pick from.

MiiA – “Green Lights”

I’m sure it’s totally unrealated that the written style of MiiA’s name is very much like KEiiNO’s (and not in any way a cash-in), so we’ll forgive her for that one. The intro before the vocals kick in, sounds like something you’d find in a big-budget Hollywood movie set in space. Very nice. Hans Zimmer would be impressed. There’s some very sweet vocals in the song, and again, like many of the other of tonight’s songs – it’s very radio friendly and upbeat. I like the string sections and drum beats in the song, and it seems quite an emotional song – so if this is portrayed well on stage tonight, that could grab her a few more points too.

KEiiNO – “Damdiggida”

He we go then. Probably one of the most talked about acts of this year. They are back for more! The plinky-plonky instrumentation reminds me of ‘Belissima‘ from DJ Quicksilver, and the rest of the song is very nineties dance inspired too. I’m hearing influences from N-Trance, and the ‘damdiggida’ refrain that’s throughout is very close to Ice MC’s ‘Think About The Way’. Alexandra’s vocals are as superb as always, and the rest of the gang’s unique offerings gel very well together. Much like in Melodifestivalen last year, where it seemed like Loreen was being primed for the win, I think the same could be true here. It’s a very high quality song, but with so many other fantastic contestants in tonight’s show, I hope that’s going to be a close battle.

As with previous weeks, Heat 3 of Melodi Grand Prix will be streamed live on NRK’s website from 19:50CET, and if you live in Norway, you’re able to watch on NRK1. Best of luck to all contestants – it’s gonna be tricky picking the three for the grand final!

Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Norway, Uncategorized

Melodi Grand Prix 2024 – Heat 2 Song Review

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Well, that was a fast week! It’s time for Andy Richards to take a look at Heat #2 of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix songs, which will be competing for your votes this evening. There’s yet another six songs to pick from, so let’s get into this…

Farida – “Heartache”

Some nice acoustic guitar chords kick this one off, followed by Farida’s soft vocals. There’s a few Mediterranian style claps, then the beat kicks in and changes it to a bit of an upbeat pop-banger! Some segments remind me a little of Spain’s offering from Liverpool 2023 – but this has more of a Keiino feel to it, and has a couple of nice elements including slow downs, and an ‘almost’ keychange. It’s a nice start to the second heat, but I can’t imagine it making it through to the final as it’s all a little bit ‘Eurovision by numbers’. We shall see in a few hours time!

Mileo – “You’re Mine”

Plenty of effects on the vocals on this one. It will be interesting to see how this translates when performed live. It’s another good pop song and reminds me a little of ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’, or something that Mika could have knocked out 15 years ago. The rhythm is punchy, and the ‘mi-ye-ai-ee-ai’ melody works well too. It’s not exactly jumping out at me as a definite finalist, but there’s something for everyone that I think will give it a higher chance at success tonight.

Eli Kristin – “Touch of Venus”

Very nice orchestral opening to this song, and a strong, powerful vocal from Eli.  Very Bond. (Both James, and the classical ‘girl group’ of the same name). It’s the type of song that would do well in Albania’s selection, being that big ballad. The yodelling shrieks cause it to lose a few points from me, as I wasn’t much of a fan of Australia’s ‘Zero Gravity, which it reminds me of. It’s a somthing a little bit different in tonight’s show, and certainly a step away from the first two pop offerings, however.

Super Rob & Erika Norwich – “My AI”

I was still unsure if this was ‘Al’, as is Alan, or ‘AI’ (Artificial Intelliegnce’ going into this. It is Artifical Intelligence, however – and almost sounds like it’s being written by one. Another over-the-top pop banger, and this one really is an Aqua clone! Even more so that the ‘Barbie’ entry in last week’s heat. Danish lawyers could start twitching if they’re watching tonigh. I like it, and it does seem to have a K-Pop kinda sound to it, but I’m not sure the grannies of Norway will appreciate it. This would have better been suited for Junior Eurovision, should Norway ever compete in the future! Looking forward to seeing the massive ‘Masked Singer’ style robot on stage!

Dag Erik Oksvold & Anne Fagermo – “Judge Tenderly of Me”

Changing tempo completely now – we’re off to the country! This is very pleasant and sounds like it could be enjoyed while relaxing in a coffee shop. I prefer Dag Erik’s style of vocals to Anne’s in the song, and think it possibly could have done better being a solo-effort – but the harmonies in the choruses do blend nicely. It’s something different in tonight’s heat, but I worry it could completely get forgotten after the utter madness from the previous song!

Gåte – “Ulveham”

Potential backing vocals from Xena – Warrior Princess open this. Lots of vocal gymnastics and yodellind! Nice to hear the native language in this one too. Absolutely zero English. It’s a great production, and the transition into rock is a welcoming surprise. I’d best describe them as a ‘Norwegian Evanescence’ on first listen to this song. I’m hoping to see plenty of flame jets and pyro in the staging, as soon as the guitars kick in! I’d pick this one as my favourite of the evening.

So, that’s your lot for Heat #2. I don’t think the quality of songs is quite as strong as last week, but another three will be making their way into the grand final. The show is live on NRK1 in Norway from 19:50CET, and also available online at this link.

Melodi Grand Prix 2024

Melodi Grand Prix 2024 – Heat 1 Song Review

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National final season continues tonight when the first heat of Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix takes place! The first six acts will take to the stage, and Andy Richards from ESC Covers has compiled a short preview and review of each song.

 

Mathilde SPZ feat. Chris Archer & Slam Dunk – “Woman Show”

This one seems to have taken quite a few influences from the past 12 months. Straight away from the artwork of the single, it reminds me a little of the Barbie movie – quite pink! There’s also references to ‘cha cha cha’ in the lyrics, so it feels a little bit naughty by ‘cashing in’ on Käärijä’s success in Liverpool, but it’s a great, catchy little dance number, with a thumping rhythm and almost Aqua-style backing vocals. Love the keytar section! I think it’s a good contender to qualify tonight. Looking forward to seeing what the staging will be like. Quite possibly bright and migraine inducing vivid colours, at a guess!

Fredrik Halland – “Stranded”

Fredrik slows things down for the second song of the show. It’s a piano-led ballad, with a style that you’d expect from the likes of Ed Sheeran and co. It’s lacking a fair bit in production with only the drum beat kicking in at the mid-way point. It works, though – and the milimalistic approach helps boost his vocals, which sound great on the studio version. If he nails the performance tonight, I think it could do pretty well. Expect to see plenty or arm swaying and phone torches being waved in the audience during the chorus!

Myra – “Heart on fire”

Some nice strings and a bouncy pop rhythm open this one. Again it’s very upbeat, and almost reminds me of a Carly Rae-Jepson or Katy Perry song. There’s a bit of an 80s style to it, and the retroness makes it, without sounding too dated as can ofted be the case if done wrong.  It’s a little repetitive, but there seems to be plenty of lyrics crammed into the three minutes, without a second to pause. Another good contener. This could be a tough heat!

GOTHMINISTER – “We Come Alive”

Straight away I’m reminded of Lord of the Lost’s entry from Liverpool earlier in the year, and I’m sure Gothminister must have taken some inspiration from their act – which is brave considering Germany’s placing on the scoreboard. There’s tones of Rammstein in the songs too, and they’re popular across Europe, so that could help, should it win MGP 2024. I like it, but it possibly could be a bit too much of an aquired taste for the people of Norway to pick up their phones to vote for it. Not too sure if this will see its way into the final.

Ingrid Jasmin – “Eya”

From the opening couple of bars, you can tell that this song is going to be something more traditional/ethnic and ‘Scandinavian’, but it oddly takes a different turn to what I was expecting. It almost sounds like something you’d hear in a Bollywood movie towards the end. Turkish almost too. There’s the obligatory ‘dance break’ section towards the end – so it will be interesting to see what Ingrid will do the fill the stage time at that point. I thought the song was going more down the Sami style of Keiino, but sadly it didn’t. It’s pleasant enough, but I’ll have to reserve full judgement to see if it can be boosted by the live performance tonight.

Margaret Berger – “Oblivion”

Nice to see Margaret back at MGP. I really loved her song when she made it the the big Eurovision stage with ‘I Feed You My Love’. ‘Oblivion’ is exactly what you’d expect from her. A fantastic electro-pop banger, with her sweet Scandi vocals laid on top. This has surely got to make it to the MGP final, and could stand a good chance at winning the whole contest! Great production, and it sounds like they’ve spent a lot of time working on it.

So there’s my thought’s on tonight’s first six songs of the contest. The show is available to watch on NRK1 in Norway, and also here from 19:50CET.