Canberra electro-pop trio SAFIA (lead vocalist Ben Woolner, drummer Michael Bell and guitarist/synth master Harry Sayers) have been stalwarts in the Australian indie electronic music scene since 2013, having embarked on four national headline tours, landed three singles in the Triple J Hottest 100 countdowns and performed live at music festivals such as Groovin’ the Moo. With the release of their long-awaited (self-produced) debut album Internal this year, the trio might stand a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other Australian musicians that have risen to international prominence.
"Together, Locked Safely" is a good demonstration of their affinity for earnest lyrics, radio-friendly vocal hooks and lush, intricate R&B-influenced electronic instrumentation. With its strong beat, euphoric synths and Ben Woolner’s warm and compelling soul-influenced voice (think John Newman, then add on the ability to effortlessly swith between tenor and falsetto), the track will probably inspire some cathartic moves on many dance floors:
'I love this,You love no.Stare blanklyStumble through the praise,Lead it slow.At least its not a tether though,Strings attached to stone.
You'll never hold me again.You'll never knowWhat I've been staring down it.Why dont you care about it?You'll never hold be again.Why dont you care about it?
Cause we can be together, locked safely.Together, locked safely'
Lyrics: Musixmatch
Woolner's vocals aptly alternate between a mournful lower register and a higher, semi-ecstatic warbling after the chorus - which effectively fleshes out the song's separation anxiety and lamentations about a relationship's squandered potential. As Jack TregoningRolling Stone's has noted, SAFIA has a proven track record of finding that "middle ground between heartfelt crooning and a desire to make people dance" - a quality that will surely appeal to music listeners across the globe.
