The Cypriot entry was released on March 1st via a
release on youtube plus the video was premiered via a CyBC news broadcast. Way
back in October it was announced that Hovig would be the internally selected
singer and that this song would be revealed at a later date. He will be singing
the song “Gravity”.
The video is quite minimalistic and although filmed in colour,
has a kind of black/white/dark blue hue to it. Hovig is joined by a female
dancer although most of the time they are in different shots. Her parts are
quite choreographed whilst Hovig moves seem much more improvised (and slightly
limited). There are lots of clean lines and lots of movements that accentuate
the beats of the backing track. The last 30 seconds are possibly the most
interesting as the 2 participants bounce and balance off each other then do
sequences of lunges and reaching poses suggesting falling and/or stopping falling.
There is a real mood about this song – and it starts with
the introduction of a really thumpy, downbeat and atmospheric backing track. Unfortunately,
when the lyrics start it feels disconnected. The tune of the song is very monotonous
when what it really needs is something more rhythmical, less wordy and with
lyrics that are punchier and more repetitive than what we’ve got. The ending is
a little weak as the chorus ends but he instrumental carries on for another 5 seconds,
which I don’t quite understand. It does have its catchy moments but I think
most of the pull of this song will be brought out through the live performance.
This is
not a bad song and the backing track is very well produced but this song doesn't sound like it was written for somebody like Hovig. This
requires a gruffer, bolder more ‘rough around the edges’ voice – like Rag n
Bone Man, Maverick Sabre or even someone like Gregory Porter. The video doesn’t
give too many clues as to how well he can sing this live, although I am sure he
will be fine. I also expect, like the video, for there to be lots of mind-bending
and illusion-making lines of perspective, camera angles, and tricks to pinpoint the idea of ‘Gravity’.
It's main saving grace is that the chorus is very memorable. This isn't a winner but am swayed towards it being a qualifier.
ARTIST - Hovig
SONG - Gravity
MUSIC - Thomas G:son
LYRICS - Thomas G:son
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