This one's definitely in my top 10 and deserves to qualify. Pasha is a Eurovision legend who was the original singer for the Sunstroke project before 2010's epic sax guy, then he represented the country in 2012 and wrote 2013's song! The song is about a shepherd taming the sun and the moon in a wedding and I think it will grow on people. The staging potential is IMMENSE. There are only one or two ethnic songs this year so this stands out. Pasha and his dwarf flutist are ICONIC!
I voted for Fulenn. I adore it & still listen to it, but get that for some it may have been a bit too out there. I love Faun, especially their early work & i'm still upset that Germany didn't sent them to ESC.(although the song that Faun sent to the German competition wasn't up to their usual standard.) I think this entry by Moldova is deliberately kept a bit "simple" to not lose the casual esc-voter. Moldova knows how to Eurovision.
I love the EDM folk entries and I will go for them every time. So this is one of my favourites. Electronic music like this is my main genre so this is right up my alley. I think the song develops in subtle but effective ways that I really like. With songs like this I don't really pay much attention to chords, because the instrumentation and the soundscape and how that develops is what carries it for me, so I'm not bothered by the chords here like I am with a couple other songs this year. Also I think the chorus melody is _so_ catchy. It's obviously not on the same level as Go_A, and the lack of development is nainly what keeps it from reaching those heights, but this is in my top 10 and I was surprised to see something so professional from Moldova. Let's all just have a collective sigh of relief that the Sunstroke Project didn't win the national final.
For a country with a limited budget almost at every scale, this song is a masterpiece. It lacks a lot of technical things but I'm so sure it's going to be on top. Moldova is playing with passion and love for music, and their music so I'm with them ! (Juries are going to destroy it but televoting is going to put on top for sure, Moldova is the queen of techno folk)
I love this one, to me it's a great piece of ethnic folklore mixed with electronic beats. Way better than his 2012 effort. I find both Romania and Moldova do this sort of hybrid music very well, and I'm happy to see it at ESC. In this vein, I recommend a band called "Subcarpati", especially their live performances. I see what you mean about it lacking progression, and even though it doesn't bother me very much, it's enough to "relegate" it to the lower half of my top 10, when this style for me is generally top 3 material. But it's still up there, and by no means do I think it's boring, so mult noroc to them!
i have to agree it's maybe a little bit underdeveloped in structure but probably this was deliberate and it's a part of its charm (to be a memorable tune that plays over and over in your head)
I saw his performance on Saturday's Barcelona pre-party, he's definitely can do well in the contest and qualify, even though they put him between two very expensive songs, Israel and Sweden. This is the only ethno song in the 1st semi (except some traditional features in Portuguese entry) - so this is Pasha's chance. But I don't see this song repeating the last year success in the grand final if he gets there.
I think it could do very well. You can get swept up in the melody and Moldova has punched above its weight before at the contest so I wouldn't be surprised if this finishes in the top half in May.
aw, it's great to see a very nuanced and academic look at tracks, and even if the conclusion is different than my own, it's really valuable to get a dissection of what things may or may not be working. i think perhaps what we're hearing is just a lack of experience in this genre from Pasha - he's an experienced musician and performer, but this does feel like he's decided to branch out and create something out of his comfort zone for the first time. Go_A's SHUM is a great song by a group of musicians who do work like SHUM on the regular and are more at ease in the style. regardless - I think Pasha choosing to highlight his language, his culture and try something new is very timely and a great choice and i'm really glad that we got this song.
Maybe. However, I think Rach that you were seeking sophistication from a wild sensually charged ethnic folk bop. I suspect the simplicity is deliberate, not neglectful. 👍
I have to say, it is my favourite song this year, ahead of Czech Republic's; and Finland and Spain..... I always liked Moldova, they must have some creativity in their drinking water....
I think this song is great but I am lucky that I don't understand Romanian. If he sang the chorus in English and was constantly repeating "The sun and the moon, sun and the moon, will hold, will hold, will hold our wedding crown" it would seriously be my last place lol.
I really like this one, it is quite epic, ethnic on the one hand, and on the other it has a sticking chorus and a solid melody. I would give it 7/10 and I 'm almost sure, it will do better as expected
Great musical analysis as always. Even though it's repetitive, I really like this one. I find it really uplifting and cheery, and I liked it from first listen. Its energy definitely stands out from many other songs in 2023. I play it often and think it may catch the ear of the casual ESC listener.
Would looooove to hear your reaction to the revamped version of Albania with special focus on the instrumental. Heard the instrumental version today and its actually so interesting to me...
Sadly the audio mixing was awful, I'm sure the performance in Liverpool is going to be soooo much better. Also I believe that the staging carries the energy forward, I find it 100% engaging and casual viewers are going to love the flute guy as it is an unexpected moment :)
This has grown on me. But yes, initially it did have something missing. I guess, as you say, it never builds up. Once you hear the first minute of the song you've practically heard it all.
I was waiting for you to do this one, just so I could also say that the synth/flute-type section immediately put me in mind of Go_A, and their epic album, #Ідиназвук. It’s giving me Fulenn vibes, too. Overall, a good song but it may struggle to stand out.
I loved Fulenn, but the staging was messy in the final, and didn't sell the amazing concept and story of the song properly. Pasha has killed it in the last couple of pre-parties, and Moldova always manage to bring excellent staging despite not having big budgets, so I don't think they'll fall into the same trap as Fulenn unfortunately did.
First major disagreement I have with your score. I'm gonna say it: the best song Moldova ever sent! But to be fair, the bar has been low; usually their songs haven't been outstanding on their own, thus they had to elevate them with staging/fun performances (last year and 2018 prime examples).
Yeah I got the same problem, not enough going on melodically or in the chords. And yes its incredibly repetitive and predictable after about 1:30. I get the vibe its going for, but Go_A did and Fulenn did it so much better
'Ekko inni meg' too from the Norwegian finals this year. So yeah, this is like the fourth best version of this song in a very short time. It's fine, but could really use a bit more musical spice.
Not really as it's an expectations game. It's very much like politics - if you're into a particular party you have ups and downs that reflect whether people are tired of you, whether you reflect on your losses and how you raise your game. The worst result for Moldova will be coming about 12th. It'll be better for them not to qualify or be near the bottom so that they'll have to reflect and change.
The artist is nice, as is the presentation, and the kind of music. It's a shame it doesn't go anywhere. Too repetitive. If they could make a new 2nd half and stitch it in it'd do wonders for them
my only dislike part of this entry is the flute guy, it's a bit gimmicky and when he only bring the flute guy in barcelona pre party just confirmed the gimmick. like they're implying it's not that special about this entry without the touch of the gimmick. lastly the flute is just the same all 3 min. 🙄
The staging is completely based on Moldovan folklore, there is a whole concept to it and the flute guy is not there just for fun. I think Pasha explained the meaning behind it in an interview, its very interesting actually
same tbh. kind of mad that people are mad at the netherlands for sending ballads year after year but not mad at moldova for bringing gimmicks year after year
The flute guy is not a gimmick! He is a very professional and respected flute player. That is the reason for him to be there. It says something, that people just assume that a little person is "just a gimmick".
I find that there are similarities with last year French entry and like them live it doesn't sound as good as the studio version. Other thing that bother me the use of very young scantily clad girls with maybe a 38 year old man (completely dressed).
It doesn't sound as good because it was filmed in Moldova's small stage studio - one of the smallest national selections this year! On the Eurovision stage, it will be IMPRESSIVE!
Maybe the NF performance doesn't sound the best but that's not the fault of anyone on stage, its completely due to Moldova's subpar audio setup. If you check out his performance at the Barcelona pre party on the beteve yt channel he sounds amazing there even though their setup was also not great.
@@PhilomenaCunkESC Not so sure. I think enough people are fed up of this schtick. I didn't like last years yet at least I could understand why it did. This seems to lack a heart - it's as if people sat round and did a tick box exercise of what would make a good Moldovan song. If you are looking for televote catnip how about Portugal?
This one's definitely in my top 10 and deserves to qualify. Pasha is a Eurovision legend who was the original singer for the Sunstroke project before 2010's epic sax guy, then he represented the country in 2012 and wrote 2013's song! The song is about a shepherd taming the sun and the moon in a wedding and I think it will grow on people. The staging potential is IMMENSE. There are only one or two ethnic songs this year so this stands out. Pasha and his dwarf flutist are ICONIC!
I adore this song. In my top 10, it feels like a much more accessible Fulenn, which I loved too.
I voted for Fulenn. I adore it & still listen to it, but get that for some it may have been a bit too out there.
I love Faun, especially their early work & i'm still upset that Germany didn't sent them to ESC.(although the song that Faun sent to the German competition wasn't up to their usual standard.)
I think this entry by Moldova is deliberately kept a bit "simple" to not lose the casual esc-voter. Moldova knows how to Eurovision.
I love the EDM folk entries and I will go for them every time. So this is one of my favourites. Electronic music like this is my main genre so this is right up my alley. I think the song develops in subtle but effective ways that I really like. With songs like this I don't really pay much attention to chords, because the instrumentation and the soundscape and how that develops is what carries it for me, so I'm not bothered by the chords here like I am with a couple other songs this year. Also I think the chorus melody is _so_ catchy. It's obviously not on the same level as Go_A, and the lack of development is nainly what keeps it from reaching those heights, but this is in my top 10 and I was surprised to see something so professional from Moldova.
Let's all just have a collective sigh of relief that the Sunstroke Project didn't win the national final.
I heard sunstrokes song - oh. My. God. It was diabolical
@@ThePeaceAround I don't think I would have been able to handle having a song called 'yummy mommy' at eurovision
For a country with a limited budget almost at every scale, this song is a masterpiece. It lacks a lot of technical things but I'm so sure it's going to be on top. Moldova is playing with passion and love for music, and their music so I'm with them ! (Juries are going to destroy it but televoting is going to put on top for sure, Moldova is the queen of techno folk)
Glad you liked it! I reckon they’ll qualify through the televote only semi
I love this one, to me it's a great piece of ethnic folklore mixed with electronic beats. Way better than his 2012 effort. I find both Romania and Moldova do this sort of hybrid music very well, and I'm happy to see it at ESC. In this vein, I recommend a band called "Subcarpati", especially their live performances.
I see what you mean about it lacking progression, and even though it doesn't bother me very much, it's enough to "relegate" it to the lower half of my top 10, when this style for me is generally top 3 material. But it's still up there, and by no means do I think it's boring, so mult noroc to them!
i have to agree it's maybe a little bit underdeveloped in structure but probably this was deliberate and it's a part of its charm (to be a memorable tune that plays over and over in your head)
This is my 4th place this year. It could have done a bit more, that's true, but I got swept up in it at first listen and I think it's a solid entry.
This was my third place.
I saw his performance on Saturday's Barcelona pre-party, he's definitely can do well in the contest and qualify, even though they put him between two very expensive songs, Israel and Sweden. This is the only ethno song in the 1st semi (except some traditional features in Portuguese entry) - so this is Pasha's chance.
But I don't see this song repeating the last year success in the grand final if he gets there.
I had the same impression when I first heard the song but it grew on me over time. Thank you for another great video, Rachel 🥰
I think it could do very well. You can get swept up in the melody and Moldova has punched above its weight before at the contest so I wouldn't be surprised if this finishes in the top half in May.
I loooooved his song in 2012. This is a good effort, too. I think his staging can help build momentum where there isn’t musically.
aw, it's great to see a very nuanced and academic look at tracks, and even if the conclusion is different than my own, it's really valuable to get a dissection of what things may or may not be working. i think perhaps what we're hearing is just a lack of experience in this genre from Pasha - he's an experienced musician and performer, but this does feel like he's decided to branch out and create something out of his comfort zone for the first time. Go_A's SHUM is a great song by a group of musicians who do work like SHUM on the regular and are more at ease in the style. regardless - I think Pasha choosing to highlight his language, his culture and try something new is very timely and a great choice and i'm really glad that we got this song.
Maybe. However, I think Rach that you were seeking sophistication from a wild sensually charged ethnic folk bop. I suspect the simplicity is deliberate, not neglectful. 👍
I have to say, it is my favourite song this year, ahead of Czech Republic's; and Finland and Spain..... I always liked Moldova, they must have some creativity in their drinking water....
I think this song is great but I am lucky that I don't understand Romanian. If he sang the chorus in English and was constantly repeating "The sun and the moon, sun and the moon, will hold, will hold, will hold our wedding crown" it would seriously be my last place lol.
I really like this one, it is quite epic, ethnic on the one hand, and on the other it has a sticking chorus and a solid melody. I would give it 7/10 and I 'm almost sure, it will do better as expected
Great musical analysis as always. Even though it's repetitive, I really like this one. I find it really uplifting and cheery, and I liked it from first listen. Its energy definitely stands out from many other songs in 2023. I play it often and think it may catch the ear of the casual ESC listener.
This is a song about cosmic wedding, with heavy folk influences, so I feel like the repetition fits this ritualistic vibe very well.
Would looooove to hear your reaction to the revamped version of Albania with special focus on the instrumental. Heard the instrumental version today and its actually so interesting to me...
Sadly the audio mixing was awful, I'm sure the performance in Liverpool is going to be soooo much better. Also I believe that the staging carries the energy forward, I find it 100% engaging and casual viewers are going to love the flute guy as it is an unexpected moment :)
Moldova excelenta bravoo❤❤❤❤)🇲🇩💯💋🍷🍷🍷🍷👍🥰
The rythm section (drums and bass) are the only progressing elements of the song, yet for some people that's all that's needed! :)
This has grown on me. But yes, initially it did have something missing. I guess, as you say, it never builds up. Once you hear the first minute of the song you've practically heard it all.
I wasn't sold on the stage performance, but the video clip's pretty cool.
It's direct competence to Spain together with Georgia's because these are the only "flocloric/traditional/different" songs
@@lera_vasi That is more electro/ethnique, but I didn't count it because it's not competitive and it won't qualify
Portugal
@@reinhardstuckler1275 Yes but it's not a folcloric song it is traditional but not that different
Great review, thank you so much !
I was waiting for you to do this one, just so I could also say that the synth/flute-type section immediately put me in mind of Go_A, and their epic album, #Ідиназвук.
It’s giving me Fulenn vibes, too. Overall, a good song but it may struggle to stand out.
I loved Fulenn, but the staging was messy in the final, and didn't sell the amazing concept and story of the song properly.
Pasha has killed it in the last couple of pre-parties, and Moldova always manage to bring excellent staging despite not having big budgets, so I don't think they'll fall into the same trap as Fulenn unfortunately did.
Top 5 for me! ❤️
There’s still time for a revamp I guess
First major disagreement I have with your score. I'm gonna say it: the best song Moldova ever sent! But to be fair, the bar has been low; usually their songs haven't been outstanding on their own, thus they had to elevate them with staging/fun performances (last year and 2018 prime examples).
That’s great you like it!
Its too repetitive especially because there arent many lyrics either
Yeah I got the same problem, not enough going on melodically or in the chords. And yes its incredibly repetitive and predictable after about 1:30. I get the vibe its going for, but Go_A did and Fulenn did it so much better
Well Fulenn got bottom three. This is different.
@@TheManInBlueFlames hence why i feel like this unfortunately wont even qualify, but i could be totally wrong, Pasha is a great live performer
'Ekko inni meg' too from the Norwegian finals this year.
So yeah, this is like the fourth best version of this song in a very short time.
It's fine, but could really use a bit more musical spice.
Not really as it's an expectations game. It's very much like politics - if you're into a particular party you have ups and downs that reflect whether people are tired of you, whether you reflect on your losses and how you raise your game. The worst result for Moldova will be coming about 12th. It'll be better for them not to qualify or be near the bottom so that they'll have to reflect and change.
I love this song, but I admit that it is too repetitive.
For me the song is average but the vocal is very good, so I give it a 6.5.
The artist is nice, as is the presentation, and the kind of music. It's a shame it doesn't go anywhere. Too repetitive. If they could make a new 2nd half and stitch it in it'd do wonders for them
Alvan & Ahez - Fulenn - France - Official Music Video ... 🤔
my only dislike part of this entry is the flute guy, it's a bit gimmicky and when he only bring the flute guy in barcelona pre party just confirmed the gimmick. like they're implying it's not that special about this entry without the touch of the gimmick. lastly the flute is just the same all 3 min. 🙄
The staging is completely based on Moldovan folklore, there is a whole concept to it and the flute guy is not there just for fun. I think Pasha explained the meaning behind it in an interview, its very interesting actually
same tbh. kind of mad that people are mad at the netherlands for sending ballads year after year but not mad at moldova for bringing gimmicks year after year
The flute guy is not a gimmick! He is a very professional and respected flute player. That is the reason for him to be there. It says something, that people just assume that a little person is "just a gimmick".
I find that there are similarities with last year French entry and like them live it doesn't sound as good as the studio version.
Other thing that bother me the use of very young scantily clad girls with maybe a 38 year old man (completely dressed).
It doesn't sound as good because it was filmed in Moldova's small stage studio - one of the smallest national selections this year! On the Eurovision stage, it will be IMPRESSIVE!
Maybe the NF performance doesn't sound the best but that's not the fault of anyone on stage, its completely due to Moldova's subpar audio setup. If you check out his performance at the Barcelona pre party on the beteve yt channel he sounds amazing there even though their setup was also not great.
they got robbed :/
The dwarf in staging is so cringe..this is not a circus
Let's be honest - a few sub-genres are going to hit a wall and not in a good way. This is when Moldovan folk pop goes to die. It's not even fun.
The question is will you cry when this qualifies and gets a good result in the final?
Lets be honest- this will get top 10 in the televote
@@PhilomenaCunkESC Not so sure. I think enough people are fed up of this schtick. I didn't like last years yet at least I could understand why it did. This seems to lack a heart - it's as if people sat round and did a tick box exercise of what would make a good Moldovan song. If you are looking for televote catnip how about Portugal?
I think you are lacking a bit of knowledge here. I am from Moldova and it is for sure not a “checklist “ kind of song.
@littlejohnuk Now, they are in the final