2022 was the year that the Eurovision Song Contest captured the imagination of the UK. For the first time in years, the UK seemed to have a song and artist which could do pretty well, and the country really got behind Sam Ryder. However, I wasn't supporting him. I wanted him to do well but I was really willing Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs to win. Every year, there is usually one entry which I become completely obsessed with and Cornelia's 'Hold Me Closer' was that year's favourite. It's a powerful ballad, superbly sung which has poignant, bittersweet lyrics about a break up. I particularly loved the line 'You say it isn't me but when does that ever help'. Following 'Voila', 'Sound Of Silence', 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' and 'Birds' in previous years, I was wanting this entry to win. It wasn't just the song which captured my imagination, Cornelia did too. The qualifiers press conference after her semi-final showed her personality. She was mischievous, as she was insisting the host picked her draw position for her (which he really didn't want to do, fearing accusations of bias) and at one point she leapt on him and wrapped her legs around his waist. It was funny and way more interesting than the usual press conferences.
Local band Hi Sienna open up. The female fronted band start off with indie pop/rock with a distinct 90s feel. The vocals are almost inaudible which detracts from the impact a little, but the first song has a cool bassline which reminds me of The Manic's 'La Tristesse Durera'. After this things take an altogether funkier turn, with tracks such as 'Enter Disco' having a Daft Punk meets Nile Rodgers disco feel. Another track is Chic style soulful funk while a new track, possibly called 'Pickleback', sounds like a funky version of N-Trance's 'Set You Free' and is pretty good. Most of the songs are pretty good but I just wish I could hear the vocals more. The last two tracks aren't as effective. One is too tribal and the other is too atmospheric, and both seem counter productive as they don't play to their funky strengths.
Cornelia Jakobs opens with the sophisticated atmospheric pop of 'Weight Of The World'. Cornelia sounds great and the song features some great 'Sigur Ros' style guitar. The pop rock of 'The Weekend' is hugely reminiscent of Ida Maria and her raspy voice is quite similar too. 'Hanging On' has a 90s alt pop edge, think Natalie Imbruglia meets Alanis Morrissette. The bass backing track of 'Fine' overpowers the vocals and delicate guitars. Her vocals seem quite muffled during the climax too. 'Rise' is more uptempo Ida Maria style pop rock. Her best songs are the power ballads which build to a powerful climax, as demonstrated by the excellent 'Need You Now'. 'Hold Me Closer' is fabulous and provokes a mass singalong. A new track 'Disturb You' closes the regular set and is promising although the attempted singalong doesn't quite ignite and seems a little trite. Encore 'Bloody Mind' is fantastic and the climax has a real post rock feel reminiscent of the incredible Nordic Giants. The final track 'It Takes A Fool To Remain Sane' is uptempo enough to send the crowd home happy.
Cornelia Jakobs ****
Hi Sienna ***
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