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RÓA by VÆB
Look, I’ve tried to make it sound like the ligature æ in encyclopædia but the Eurovision website tells me the band’s name is pronounced ‘vibe’ so let’s just go with that. It certainly has a vibe and one I find most pleasing.
At first glance this could be Jedward’s younger brothers, albeit this pair are not twins. They do share the same sense of boundless energy as the Irish pair. Way back in 2011 my review of Jedward suggested that the voters of Europe wouldn’t approach Lipstick with the same prejudice as the British and Irish public, rather they’d see a couple of young lads enjoying a lark about on stage. VÆB gives me the same kind of feeling.
Essentially, it’s a bit of nonsense about rowing your boat. The boys have felled a tree and made their own craft, rowing endlessly in a fable of survival. There’s a cheeky nod to Iceland’s own long-standing Terry Wogan, Gísli Marteinn. It’s upbeat and joyful, like a great glorious slice of Icelandic epa-dunk, and seemingly not to be taken as anything more than fun.
I like this! I like it a lot. Sure, it’s cheap and often silly, but by goodness, does this opening part of semi-final 1 need it. I just hope going first won’t see these likeable boys overlooked when the phone lines open.
My marks: 8 points
Photo: Ragnar Visage/EBU