Jesusfreakhideout.com celebrates 30 Years online in 2026... Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!
Jesusfreakhideout.com celebrates 30 Years online in 2026... Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

Swimming With Dolphins
Ambient Blue EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 5 tracks: 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Street Date: September 2, 2008


 
  
AmbientBlueEP
READER RATING:  AmbientBlueEP
/ 5.0 (0 votes)

It won't take many listens to notice two things about Swimming With Dolphins. For one, they don't fall far from the Owl City tree, and secondly, their music is just as good. The sound quality may not be up to par with what Adam Young had to work with on his debut album Ocean Eyes, but every song on Ambient Blue is inventive, catchy, and lengthy for just a five-song EP. It's a bit more experimental, however.

The first song, "Silhouettes," starts with the vocals of featured singer Breanne Duren. It's a great song that does an equally great job of introducing Austin Tofte and the album. Next is "Pajama Party," which has an infectious beat and is a welcomed addition to Ambient Blue. "Sunset 1989" might be the weakest link on the album simply for its sloppy and, frankly, awkward chorus. Some listeners may take a liking to it (as I slowly, slowly did), but it stands out, in a negative way, more than the others. "Everything's A Miracle" is a highlight, and though it follows a similar deliberate choppiness as the prior track, it's successful as a fun dance song that would even work at a club. The vocals have a cool way of blending into the synthesizers. Lastly is "Up In The Stars," which links perfectly with the way the album started. The first and last songs are probably the two most mainstream in sound on the project, so they did a good job of ordering the songs.

Before you check out Water Colours, or even if you already have, give this Swimming With Dolphins' debut EP, Ambient Blue, a listen. It's most certainly worth it.

- Review date: 5/25/11, written by Ben Cardenas of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get a FREE month of VidAngel on us when you sign up!

 

JFH Reader Review



Before Adam Young rocketed to fame with Owl City and his hit single "Fireflies," he was involved in a small multitude of musical projects. Two in particular stuck out; the instrumental Port Blue and Swimming With Dolphins. Despite the odd name, Swimming With Dolphins is sure to win over techno and synth fans. One will instantly notice that instead of Adam Young (who acts as producer), his friend Austin Tofte takes control of the vocal department. While not as charming as Adam, Austin does a fine job, and is sometimes joined by Breanna Duren.

The Ambient Blue EP starts off with "Silhouettes," a shimmering, slower techno song. As usual, the production from Adam Young is almost perfect. The title of the next song, "Pajama Party" is a good indicator of the feel, which is fun and a little bouncy. "Sunset, 1989" features an odd effect which is reminiscent of a skipping CD, only more pleasant. Some people will find this bothersome, but it kind of works. One of the highlights is the beautiful "Everything's a Miracle." It could be interpreted as a worship song ("You put the clouds aside, illuminate the sky, through every dark and hazy night you are my guide"), and again features the "skipping" effect, only it works better here. "Up in the Stars" ends the EP with a love song that would easily win over Owl City fans who love songs like "Vanilla Twilight."

Swimming with Dolphins shows a more serious side of Adam Young. Most of the songs appear to deal with relationships, with the exception of "Everything's a Miracle." Fans of Andy Hunter, The Echoing Green and a more serious Owl City should find this project appealing.

JFH Reader Review: Review date: 6/23/10, written by Taylor McBurney for Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

Record Label: None
Album length: 5 tracks: 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Street Date: September 2, 2008
Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Silhouettes (5:50)
  2. Pajama Party (3:50)
  3. Sunset, 1989 (3:19)
  4. Everything's A Miracle (5:41)
  5. Up In The Stars (5:02)

 

 Sample the Music

 

 

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get a FREE month of VidAngel on us when you sign up!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 23
ALBUMS
PFR Disappear (Remastered) (independent)

This Friday, June 26
ALBUMS
Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed Magic & Bird 2 (independent)
Clark Beckham Acoustic Worship Sessions [NCS]
Dragons & Astronauts Broken Parables (independent)
floodlit MiDaSu (independent)
Gracie Miss Misfortunately [Tooth & Nail]
Tiffany Hudson When You're In The Room [Elevation]
Switchfoot Forever Now [By Design/BMG]
TobyMac Heaven On My Mind – Guest List Edition [Capitol CMG]
Tomb Slayer Radiance: Modern Hymns for Kids [Tomb Slayer]
Tree63 VOYAGE (independent)

SINGLES
Bill B, Mic Wise, GB Daylight - Single [Syntax]
Death Protocol Illusion Of Faith - Single [Rottweiler]
Hillside Recording in the room - Single (independent)
Dreal LP & OnBeatMusic Move - Single [Syntax]
eddieM Posted Notes - Single [Syntax]
GLADDEN & Kurtis Hoppie Round & Round - Single (independent)
Kelo Reason - Single [Syntax]
Cameron Payne Time - Single (independent)
Q-Flo Pack Em Up - Single [Syntax]
Razzie CAPTIVE - Single [Syntax]
John Reuben 1-2-Barbecue (w/ Mike Tompkins) - Single (independent)
Trey Simon & Mountain People Worship Brother Jo - Single (independent)
Phil Wickham x Pat Barrett Praise The Lord Forever - Single [Fair Trade]

Next Friday, July 3
ALBUMS
Chosen Road American Morning [Thoroughbred]

SINGLES
Allan Scott, John Waller, Waller Co Jesus, I Still Believe - Single [Dream]
Beach Chapel Woke Up - Single (independent)
InTheosis The Harrowing of Hell - Single (independent)
Kaboose The Key - EP (independent)
North Palm Worship Revive Us - Single [Harmony]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Get $200 Gift Card when you sign up for a Prime Visa Card!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images

 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
All materials copyright of Jesusfreakhideout.com   ©1996-2026 Jesus freak Hideout. *Celebrating 30 Years* All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy