Belgium decisively selected “Strobe Lights” by Red Sebastian through a short national final process. Red Sebastian will perform 9th in the first semifinal – coincidentally the same day as his 26th birthday. 

[CW: There are obviously strobe lights in this performance]

Red Sebastian is clearly an impressive performer and vocalist who sings in multiple ranges throughout this thumping beat dance song.

This song has a fun Alice in Wonderland motif with interesting and evocative lyrics that really get stuck in our heads. It made a clear impression on us early on, with the performance reminding us a bit of Finland’s Hoida Mut by Benjamin in 2023 (but no one can quite live up to Benjamin’s sex appeal). The aesthetics of the song, and of Red Sebastian himself, are minimalist but very effective. Everything is red, and if it’s not red, it’s black or white. It is this classic, almost Coco Chanel color palette, which elevates this techno dance song to a “brand new dimension.” 

However, because “Strobe Lights” was released relatively early in the national final season (in February) and played on repeat in our minds whether we wanted it to or not, we have discovered that the song gets pretty old after a while. Red Sebastian’s vocal range is incredible, and we can’t fault his stage presence or performance. But it just isn’t as exciting or dynamic as many other songs competing this year. 

However, we would much rather have “Strobe Lights” stuck in our head than the catchy “Une fille à papa” (aka Daddy’s Girl) which was one of the other songs competing in Belgium’s Eurosong Contest – thankfully that one came in last place.