‘Safe Place’ is an album filled with what I like to call ‘climax tracks’. They’re pieces you imagine in the final scenes of movies, where catharsis is right around the corner. It’s in these few three or four minutes that everything goes down, the final decisions, the last action sequence, the sweeping results all come together. They’re the result of build up, gradual appreciation of where it starts and how it ends. Kicking the record off with ‘Imprudent Things’, you’d understand this strange sentiment I might be describing. Jela’s magnificent delivery of ‘that feeling when we first met’ towards the latter half of the song is just so innately powerful that you’re drawn into imbibe some of that emotion and energy for yourself. You want to get up, to feel love, to capture the moment ahead of you.
Described as “Fruitful pop music spirit of Harry Styles boasts ’70s and ’80s influences like Toto. And I-swear-it’s-not-cheesy!”, ‘Safe Place’ does sort of fit that bill. I’d argue it boasts an overwhelming sense of emotion and nostalgia, that, while indeed a bit cheesy, still does its job resoundingly well. And that’s because you can feel the sincerity behind the vocals and production that Jela brings to the table. He’s not penning down tracks for the sake of it, it’s his inner thoughts, the feelings that he wants to bring to light and share with the world. When an artist is able to express themselves at that level, there’s no room for notes. The German indie pop artist is on the verge of breaking his own ceiling, reaching that level of sensation that most aspire to. Undoubtedly, the track’s lead single ‘Imprudent Things’, which has also amassed significant streaming attention, is a highlight for any indie pop fan.
Above all, I’d say you should listen to ‘Safe Place’ for Jela’s sincerity. If you’re willing to open yourself up, to accept his emotions as raw and unfiltered, it’s going to uncover your own with ease. And, with arrangements like these, that’s not at all hard to achieve.