[Sovarasma #30] Xoculd Yumngokzit #3

[Sovarasma #30] Xoculd Yumngokzit #3 Oct 3, 2022 14:02:24 GMT 1 basil, Wysteria, and 2 more like this

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Post by uhsting on Oct 3, 2022 14:02:24 GMT 1

3 October 2022

Xoculd Yumngokzit #3

Xoculd Yumngokzit #3 features 10 entries of a diverse range of genres. In this round, 3 entries will qualify to the gold final. There are 2 categories in Xoculd Yumngokzit, Topio and Hamus. In short, Topio entries utilise the entirety of the length of the song to depict a breathtaking soundscape through different sounds, which are best to be enjoyed in full. Meanwhile, Hamus entries capture the listener's attention through a memorable hook of a few seconds using a creative combination of lyrics, instrumentation and vocals. You may read the wiki page to understand the functionality of the national selection here.

Voting

In this round, voters are invited to rate each individual entry from 1 to 10 in whichever format they prefer, hence they can assign unique ratings to each entry or rate more than one song the same score. They are advised to listen to all entries in full. To access the voting, please refer to the big red box below.

VOTE HERE

The entry highest average rating in each category will advance to the gold final. The third entry will be decided by the second or third highest average rating amongst all entries depending on the pre-qualified entries.

Deadline: 7 October 2022, 11:59 BST

About the songs

Google Drive link since the 5th entry is shortened due to copyright: link
Warning: The introduction of entries uses absolute formatting, hence it may not work properly on mobile or small screens. Please adjust where necessary.

ODESZA ft. Ólafur Arnalds "Light Of Day"

"Light Of Day" begins the national selection with highly esteemed sound engineers ODESZA and Ólafur Arnalds. This collaboration is a crossover of the two distinct musical styles. I think this is soldered brilliantly. The buildup is done well, and you will not be disappointed by the lush sounds following after. I especially love the monologue at the end. Overall, this track is contemplative yet welcoming.

Black Lilys "Störm"

"Störm" is a chilly ballad that is representative of Black Lilys style. The airy vocals of Camille Faure are a huge plus in this song. The lyrics give depth. Finally, the instrumentation is subtle but epic, especially towards the end.

Ljos, julek ploski, Ola Budzyńska "Melancholy"

"Melancholy" is an experimental track. It features a wide range of sounds moulded together to deliver a spectacular listening experience. It is worth noting the contrast in sound effects, revolving around one single big motif. In the end, it features a satisfying big drop with the harps (I believe) playing against a distorted beat in the background.

Urias "Je ne sais quoi"

"Je ne sais quoi" marks the change in tempo compared to the previous entries. This is an upbeat banger with an addictive beat that makes this song so catchy. The iconic line "You can't copy my je ne sais quoi" echoes throughout the drop, followed what I think is the best part of the song the grating yet satisfying instrumental break. This song is all about empowerment.

Thomas Bergersen "Wings for Ukraine"

"Wings for Ukraine" is a majestic piece that is part of the "Songs for Ukraine" EP. All proceedings of the song are donated to UNICEF's Children in Ukraine fundraising programme. This piece takes elements of Thomas Bergersen's past composition "Wings" and the Ukrainian national anthem. The choir leads the way in this piece, followed by the orchestra, building up to a grand first climax. Then, it drops back to the choir with minimal instrumentation, and a piano interlude. After that, it builds up majestically towards the climax as the orchestra and the choir craft an extraordinary soundscape. The RV is taken from Astronata's "На частини", a statement against the Russian invasion.

black midi "EAT MEN EAT"

"EAT MEN EAT" represents a different side of music. It features unique chords and progression. The vocals are one-of-a-kind. This song is tense from the start to finish. In the recap it features perhaps the most jarring part of the song, as the lyrics shout "ain't seen the last of me yet" and "burning", with screaming heard towards the very end. This is all part of the storytelling of the desert adventure.

Ginge Anvik, Audun Sandvik, Thomas Klug, The Norwegian Radio Orchestra "Ostinat"

"Ostinat" is entirely orchestral. This piece is composed by Ginge Anvik and it reminds me of a classical concertino. It features the instrumental I play, cello. As the cello navigates through the soundscape, it explores different themes. There are moments where the cello solo is the only instrument playing. They then lead to an epic orchestral finale. The RV features Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a renowned rising cellist.

Hellberg ft. Rodney Chrome "PLEASE DON'T REMIND ME"

"PLEASE DON'T REMIND ME" marks the change in the character of the previous entries. This is an upbeat and fun song. Hellberg has been a progressive house producer but this is the first song where he ventures off to queer pop, where he invites Rodney Chrome, a recently graduated queer student. There, he raps confidently and Hellberg delivers the well-coordinated buildups and drops. Since this is a fun song, I dropped the Do You? RV.

Sandrayati "Found"

"Found" is a beautiful ballad which is a contemplation. The strings are beyond beautiful, especially in the latter half where it evolves into an epic ensemble. Notably, Ólafur Arnalds is behind the instrumentation so he is actually responsible for two entries in this national selection. This song is a good example of letting the music guide you.

Pink Oculus "HIDE"

"HIDE" is something out of the ordinary. Pink Oculus delivers a story through speaking and rapping. The alternation of two vocal styles depicts an interesting soundscape. The chilling piano is beneath the vocals which sets the tone of the song. The song then builds up to a grand ending, as she raps "My mouth is a spiritual weapon", finishing the song with a hostile message "Don't come again goodbye".