Earlier today the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — headed to a Nicosia grunge bar to listen to Minus One, also known as Marianne’s Wish. They are bringing a bit of rock flair to the Eurovision Song Project stage with their song “Shine”, which features a mpouzouki! Did they rock the stage? Or did we just rock ourselves to make the pain go away? Read on to find out…

“Shine” reviews — Minus One

Robyn: I’ve been waiting for a decent rock song to show up in a national final. Despite having one of the most overused ESC song titles, “Shine” is a hearty song with an especially strong chorus. I like the use of both electronic sounds and traditional rock instruments, and it seems like the sort of performance that could be amazing live.

Score: 7/10

Deban: The gravelly lead vocals add an interesting texture to the rock instrumentals. I love the confidence displayed here by the male lead. However, something’s amiss. I feel like an observer abandoned on a musical journey. Yes, I appreciate what’s going on, but my pleas for sing-a-long are decisively ignored.

Score: 6/10

William: Where’s the love? I don’t know. But you ain’t gonna find it with me. I think the band needs to take a long hot bath, not only so they look less greasy, but also because the lead singer’s raspy, shouty vocals need some soothing. So do I. That’s why I’m turning this monotonous song off. BYE!

Score: 4/10

Sami: Of course there has to be one rock song in the final. I have nothing much to say about this song. It’s very forgottable and it really isn’t the best song in its genre. I’m almost sure that it wouldn’t reach the Eurovision final nor the top spot of my ratings. The mpouzouki solo is the best part of the song.

Score: 3/10

Kristín: Once I was 19, and listened to Live, like all the time. This song takes me back and it feels gooooood! This is my other favorite song in the Cypriot finals, and if Hovig doesn’t win, I really, really want Minus One to rock it out in Vienna. Now, where is my Live CD?….

Score: 10/10

Judit: My first thought was: Oh no a song with the title “Shine” again? And after that I have to admit it’s not bad, but sorry, not better than Hovig. It’s a good rock song, so if they win I can accept it.

Score: 8/10

Billy: Like it. Their performance is very dynamic, as well as their song. It’s not just a rock sound, with all these elements, like the addition of baglama. It is indeed an interesting proposal for Cyprus, as the island has never been represented by a rock band.

Score: 9.5/10

Patrick: When I heard it in the auditions I liked it a lot but now I’m not sure. It’s pure rock, reminds me of maNga and Yüksek Sadakat, and the voices are great…but there is just something missing. And personally I think that rock is stale as we see it too often. It’s nothing new…

Score: 6/10

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 6.68/10 

SEE THE COMPLETE WIWI JURY CYPRUS RANKINGS HERE.

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Dem82
Dem82
9 years ago

Another unfair critique. Excellent song and performance.