The Ukrainian act and song was selected on February 8th via their national final "Vidbir". The winner was chosen through a 50-50 split of jury and app voting. Going to Basel is Ziferblat with the song "Bird Of Pray".
Ziferblat is made up of singer Daniil Leshchynskyi, guitarist Valentyn Leshchynskyi, and drummer Fedir Hodakov. Their sound is mainly alternative pop but also straddles themes of folk & prog and they are heavily influenced by literature and art. They released an EP in 2015 before entering X-Factor Ukraine. In total they have released 9 singles, 1 EP and and 1 album. In 2023 they entered "Zemlya" to the Ukrainian national final but did not make it into the final. In 2024 "Place I call home" was entered into Vidbir and came 2nd and this year they went a step better and won the competition.
The performance starts with a very high pitched vocalisation by one of the female backing vocalists which comes in and out throughout the song. The verses are mainly in Ukrainian while the chorus is in English. The verses have a prog rock feel to them and have an unusual rhythm and energy which is made more interesting by them being in their native tongue. The pre-chorus and chorus is slower and higher in his register. After a very short verse 2 and a chorus there is an elongated bridge before the last rendition of the chorus. The three-piece band and their three backing singers are dressed in shades of blue and purple and the stage is covered with greenery and flowers; almost like they were performing in a field. The backdrop flits between blue skies, warm red & yellows and psychedelic strobing. Daniil tries out some armography throughout the song and spends time walking up and down the mini runway. It feels like he is performing to the crowd rather than the camera.
This entry feels a little different from Ukraine's more recent Eurovision back catalogue. The beats, electronica and rap syncopations have gone and replaced with a more freeform and retro style. It is nice to see any country doing something a bit out-of-the-box. It feels rather folky and in turn has an air of optimism about it. The song touches on the separation of loved ones especially at a time of war, which is why the title is spelled Pray rather than Prey. Overall I like the staging concept: I can see the group being at the front of the thrust stage, better spaced out on a bigger stage, using camera angles to accentuate the backdrop. and maybe more co-ordination made between the outfits. I would also like Daniil to have stronger and more dynamic choreography as he looks uncomfortable, if not lacking confidence, with his movements. In terms of the song, the verse, for me, is the stand out part of the track. It perks up your ears from the get go and sets out that folk rock feel. The chorus is less successful partially because of the slower speed and partially due some pronunciation mishaps - at least the latter of these cane be worked on before May.
ARTIST - Ziferblat
SONG - Bird of Pray
WRITING/PRODUCTION CREDITS - Fedir Khodakov, Danylo Leshchynskyi, Valentyn Leshchynskyi
No comments:
Post a Comment