ICELAND

The Icelandic Final was held on February 20th at Laugardalshöll in Reykjavik, hosted by Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir & Guðrún Dís Emilsdóttir. Before the final there were 2 semi-finals where 3 songs qualified for each. There were 2 rounds of voting - the first round the voting was 50/50 televoting and jury while in the second round the winner was chosen by televoting alone. The winning song was “Hear them calling” sung by Greta Salóme.

The song an atmospheric song that could be described as dance-folk. The song not only seems to hark back to last year’s winner “Heroes” but also to the previous Swedish winner “Euphoria”, and these influences are more in the performance of the song rather than the song itself. The song is intertwined with the backdrop, lighting and choreography of the piece. I am sure that the song would work on its own but with all the peripheral parts it almost feels like apiece of performance art. Her voice has never been the strongest but the song suits her range bust she is also backed by an unseen choir who help drive the haunting nature of the song.

Greta Salóme is another returnee to Eurovision as she sang “Never Forget” with Jónsi which successfully qualified into the grand final. As well as being a singer, composer and songwriter she is a professional musician and has been playing the violin since she was just 4.  She holds a position as a violinist in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra; regularly performs with classical and pop music ensembles, has made several radio and TV appearances and also works as a studio musician. Unlike in 2012, Greta Salóme not only takes the stage by herself, but also without her violin.

The song is a real stomper and captures your attention from start to finish. Yes, most of this is down to the backdrop and the act that it tells a story. The chorus is very memorable, the false finish – which there has been a distinct lack of in Eurovision lately – is a great addition to the song and makes the ending even more dramatic. My only issue is that the production won't work on a Eurovision stage. The exclusion of shots of the audience or long sweeping camera shots may need to be reviewed. For the first time this year we have not only a Eurovision song with a bit of vim, vigour and guts but also a desire to win. Will easily qualify from semi 1, and is a probable contender for a) closing the semi final and /or b) winning SF1. Watch this space.

ARTIST – Greta Salóme

SONG – Hear them calling

MUSIC - Greta Salóme Stefánsdóttir

LYRICS - Greta Salóme Stefánsdóttir