Systur – Með Hækkandi Sól
I didn’t think that the Grand Ole Opry had an outpost in Reykjavik, until these three trotted up to sing their song. It starts like something Dolly would have written (Parton, not Style for the avoidance of doubt here), with lighter country guitars, but then it seems to turn into some sort of ASMR track that is strangely engaging (to me).
It’s all very light-touch proving, once again, that you don’t need to be a banger in order to enter this Contest. It was very simply staged in the Icelandic final, which is a good thing because that showcases the girls’ talent. But when you take it out into the big wide world of Eurovision, it really is just a piece of light fluff that you can imagine on in the background as you do other things – and that is the kiss of death for any Eurovision song.
Being forgettable will not get the televoters of Europe picking up the phone. I tried to find any redeeming features, but I’m not sure that the juries will save it. Despite all of that, I do like it a lot. It’s just not a Contest song – whatever that is these days.
Phil’s Score. 5 Points