It’s a lazy, sunny Saturday over here in Belgium. So the need to travel isn’t quite as high today. Luckily today’s trio doesn’t require much traveling, as they’re all located in central Europa. Which luckily doesn’t mean they all sound alike. Unfortunately, at least for two of these.
4. Switzerland – Nemo – The Code
The Song: Fucking finally. This edition needed something like this so very badly. I might be contradicting myself when I say I love the chaos here, but it’s so clearly orchestrated that it becomes quite a coherent mess. It really works towards something and the chaos only reinforces the message in the lyrics. I love how this is so in your face on every level. With a fierce drum’n bass beat under the chorus to top it off. Breaking codes all around, you better work.
Standout line: “Somewhere between the 0’s and 1’s” Non-binary powers, activate!
The Voice: The big question mark, as Nemo’s set quite the challenge for themselves. Will they be able to give us La Bohème, as the lyrics suggest? Or will it all deflate faster than you can say ‘Questa Notte’? (after seeing the Madrid performance) This bodes quite well, doesn’t it?
The Style: If that video is the entrée, I just can’t wait for the main course. I do hope they manage to conjure up organized chaos that blows people away, because this could fall apart quicker than an outfit from Shein. But it feels like Switzerland really wants another win, so I’m counting on something that will sell this for all it’s worth.
In one line: Red pill or blue pill?
PERSONAL TOTAL: 
Why it will qualify: It’s like nothing else in the competition.
Why it won’t qualify: It’s too different.
Qualifier? Oui, ja, si.
Winner? This feels like it’s super dangerous, yes. Besides, Geneva 2025 would be the ultimate irony with the current state of the world. Who says the universe doesn’t have a sense of humor? Dark as a black hole it may be.
5. Czechia – Aiko – Pedestal
The Song: This sounds like it was taken right out of the guide for alternative girl pop from the mid nillies, which is no shade at all. It does beg the question what the heck this is doing in the line up of the 2024 ESC. It sounds way out of place, despite the inspiring lyrics which are probably in my top 5 of lyrics for this edition. Put yourself on that pedestal, babe.
Standout line: “Your sorry means nothing when everything else stays the same” BAM.
The Voice: That performance in the ‘NF’ does not bode very well, does it? Maybe a little less aerobics and a bit more focus. I mean, I know you want to come across like that bad B that you are. But come on, darling. Focus.
The Style: I’m kinda digging the band set-up in the NF, as well as the sexy outfits and attempts at sexy choreo because that only reinforces the message of the song. But the aerobics are so WTF that everything else goes out the window, including any vocal prowess. I believe some slight tweaking might be in order. Maybe you can include a pedestal, just for the fun of it? I hear La Zarra has one for rent.
In one line: Why you have to go and make things so complicated?
PERSONAL TOTAL:
Why it will qualify: It’s unique in this field.
Why it won’t qualify: It’s so unique it might be too left field.
Qualifier? Can’t see it happening right now.
Winner? Nah, but having yourself on a pedestal is worth more than ten trophy’s, right?
6. Austria – Kaleen – We Will Rave
The Song: Oh, how this has got me – in the words of a ‘90s classic – Torn. Do I love the nostalgic nineties dance sound? Of course. Is it annoying that some parts sound super familiar, like the riff in the chorus which I can’t put my finger on? Very much so. Much like one of the direct finalists, this is a case of something old, something new and something borrowed which makes me blue. I soooo want to like this, but it’s so unoriginal it’s borderline annoying. Especially because it’s basically the same combo of verse & chorus five times over. If you can call that a chorus.
Standout line: “No one knows a thing about my haunted soul” Calm down, Wednesday.
The Voice: Curious to hear what this is going to sound like, because mister Otto Tune is doing some heavy lifting in the studio version. Especially curious to hear what a combo of raving and singing will sound like. (Checks Madrid performance) Well, that’s not terribly exciting, is it? Especially when you don’t sing for half the song.
The Style: The video promises more of a private party than an actual rave, but I suppose with the current rule cfr number of people on stage it provides more of a realistic promise than a full on rave would when it comes to the staging. Apparently Kaleen and her team are staging pro’s, so it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with. Her moves during the Madrid performance sure seem like she’s an onstage animal.
In one line: We will … tap along our feet ever so slightly.
PERSONAL TOTAL:
Why it will qualify: It’s crazy, it’s party.
Why it won’t qualify: It’s not that crazy, it’s more of a get together.
Qualifier? The fan community is going wild over it, so…I guess so?
Winner? Nah, middle of the field at best.
CURRENT DIMIVISION STANDINGS
LITHUANIA – AUSTRALIA
AZERBAIJAN – LUXEMBOURG – SWITZERLAND
POLAND – MOLDOVA – GREECE
CYPRUS – SERBIA – CROATIA – SLOVENIA – FINLAND – PORTUGAL – ALBANIA – CZECHIA – AUSTRIA
IRELAND – UKRAINE – ICELAND – MALTA
Tomorrow: Denmark, Armenia & Latvia
Dimivision 
Austria really leaves me scratching my head with the fandom. As you and me both lived through the rave era, plus Mr LLPP was pretty heavily into it, WWR is to Rave what Nickelback are to Heavy Metal.
LOL, love that analogy. So true, I don’t get the fan hype either but then again that seems to be a reoccurring theme this year.