Eurovision 2015: Malta: Dominic: Once in a While

Dominic Cini Minik - Source: Facebook

Dominic has been trying his luck in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest for the past few years. Even though he has never quite made it to the semi-finals he has, however, taken part as a backing vocalist on a number of occasions.

Aside from his attempts at Eurovision, Dominic's day job is in a recording studio on Malta, where he produces and records local talent. He can also be seen on stage, regularly performing in musicals and pantomimes

This year, however, he has been picked as one of the Eurovision semi-finalists with the song Once in a While, composed by Elton Zarb and penned by Rita Pace. The styling of his song is Pop/Rock and is quite different to what he his used to singing. However, Dominic believes that this approach enhances his vocal skills for the better.

With its rock backing sounding like a watered-down Queen track from the 1980s, Once in a While is really like no other song in this year's Maltese semi-final. That's not a put-down because it's cool to see a band on stage playing their own instruments, rather than the singer accompanied by an obligatory playback. It's just that it feels as if I have heard the song somewhere before.

That aside, Dominic's somewhat edgy vocals push the song further into the soft rock genre, while his backing group help to power this effort towards a memorable chorus.

Thankfully, they all give a polished performance but, in view of the nature of the track and the prospect of a larger stage in Vienna, it could be bolder and more animated.

Nevertheless, this one has become one of my favourites for the 2015 ticket. Soft rock is something of a different sound for Eurovision which, given half a chance, could do well for the island. Its penultimate position in the 20-strong semi-final should help its prospects too.

There's a message in the song as well: No-one should give up on their dreams. I don't think Dominic should in this case, but what odds do you give him at representing Malta in Austria?




+ Read more reviews here of the songs participating at the Maltese semi-final.