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Zjerm – Shkodra Elektronike
Now, I have to start with a little confession. Traditionally I find it hard going to start these countdowns, because working in alphabetical order in English means I have to kick off with Albania (unless and until Afghanistan joins the contest. Unlikely). And I’m sorry to say that I usually find Albanian entries to be hard work.
I’m delighted to say that the pattern has broken this year, big time. I reckon Zjerm might be Albania’s best ever, and until the final few days of the on-season I was even able to map out a plausible path to victory. It’s very much a regional sound, yet they’ve made it widely accessible. Beatrice is an amazingly charismatic lead performer, while Kolë demonstrates the principle of Chekhov’s Gun magnificently – he’s noticeably on the wall in Act 1, and by god he goes off with a bang by the end of Act 3.
Oh, and I do need to make a special mention of the backing singer who goes “AAAAAHHHH”. One of the most amazing minuscule contributions to a performance I can ever remember.
I really do like this a lot. If they can lift the level one notch higher for the Basel stage, it’s got potential to find support from every constituency – though they won’t have the bonus support of the Festivali i Kenges orchestra, who deserve a share of the credit for it sounding so special on that night. All the same, it’s on my shortlist!
Nick’s score: 12