Eurovision 2016: Review: Georgia: Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz: Midnight Gold

Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz to represent Georgia 

Each year, a Eurovision entry emerges which thoroughly challenges the perceived musical boundaries of the Contest. That's not to say that it's the worst contribution or the most unsuitable act, but the whole package just appears to be a bizarre choice. Generally, songs are selected for their broad appeal but entries like Georgia's Midnight Gold, from the exotically named Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz, make you scratch your head and ponder the point of their involvement.

Of course, musical diversity of all kinds should be encouraged at Eurovision – even if it is the cacophonous rock gymnastics of this group. But their style shouldn't really be a surprise when you consider the somewhat incomprehensible song remit for the group from the Georgian broadcaster: "a melodic song structure of alternative and indie rock with electronic beats, synths and/or samples, and club orientation of post-disco dance music." Whether Midnight Gold has achieved this is unclear, but it does seem like an odd selection of song nevertheless - never mind that there were rumblings of irregularities in the public vote.

While its qualification may be questionable, the song opens fairly effectively with some funky bass guitar accompanied by an okay rock vocal, but then proceeds to degenerate towards an uneven mish-mash of indie Brit-pop all wrapped up in brief forays into heavy rock. Unfortunately, each of these elements make Midnight Gold a patchy effort and not particularly likeable. While some may love the thrashing guitars, the feedback effects and the Liam Gallagher sound-alike, this entry is never likely to have sufficient general appeal to break out of its semi-final - even with a much needed revamp.

You have to give Georgia top marks for courage, though. Clearly, this song will be remembered by a segment of fans well after 2016's myriad of safe and unexceptional entries have been forgotten. However, although the Final may eventually need some shaking up, Midnight Gold is unlikely to be the song to do it. This one is doomed to end up on Eurovision's very glittery scrap heap.

What do you think?

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