Russia’s record in the ESC is impressive. It has qualified for the final throughout it’s history. Although Alex Sparrow’s performance in Düsseldorf is credited with giving the country its second worst finish, this does not reflect his recent work.
This track literally translates as ‘Please Be Weaker’. The song contains an extract of poems by acclaimed Russian poet Robert Rozhdestvensky, and sees Sparrow as the executive producer and visual director. This video has an arty edge, and its bilingual approach aims to communicate to both Russian and Anglophone markets.
Alex Sparrow is a ‘renewed’ man. He was recently involved in a major road collision which left him partially immobilised, and hospitalised in California for weeks. This accident, and the aftermath, informs his new work. It takes on a deeper edge.
Erotic, intense, bold and spare, this new single from Alex Sparrow is as haunting as it is unusual. Visually stunning from the use of sunlight and the deep-blue hues of the ocean, Sparrow harnesses the natural elements and sets them against a modern love story. The flashes of skin, sultry looks and breathy spoken words delight the listener regardless of gender, race and orientation. Added to the mix is a replica of the car that killed James Dean–possibly a metaphor for Sparrow’s recent road trauma. The musical style varies from electro-pop to rock. There is poetry simmering over a synthwave. The ménage of instrumentation, visual presentation, falsetto and breathy vocals make this track one of the most credible leftfield entries to emerge from Russia this year.
Rating: 4/5
Deban Aderemi contributed this report from the U.K. Follow him on Twitter @debanaderemi. Then follow Team Wiwi on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.
I was questionable at the beginning with the auto tune, but it turns into something great & the video distracts you. It’s really well done!!!
H o t .