Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review


Swimming With Dolphins, Ambient Blue EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

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 the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

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

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, January 27, 2026
SINGLES
Philip Anthony No Parts - Single (independent)
Pipe Bomb I Will Kill The Worst Parts Of Myself - Single (independent)

This Friday, January 30, 2026
ALBUMS
Dreamers let love be your highest goal. - EP [DREAM Worship]
Kingdmusic JOY (independent)
Eddy Mann The Unveiling [MTS]
We The Kingdom Dear Jesus [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Autumn Owls Thick as Thieves - Single (independent)
BRAG Worship, Trip Lee For Your Glory / Draw My Eyes - Double Single [Reach]
Philippa Hanna 'Til the Whole World Knows (feat. Israel Houghton) - Single [Integrity]
John Long The Perfect Love of Christ - Single [Ocean House]
Mainstream Worship & Josh Daughtry Fresh Start (Live) - Single [DREAM Worship]
Seph Schlueter Life With You - Single [Provident/Sony]

Next Sunday, February 1, 2026
SINGLES
Like A Splinter x Righteous Talk Dark Sayings - Single (independent)
MC Zappa Why? - Single (independent)

Next Monday, February 2, 2026
ALBUMS
Lecrae Reconstruction (Deluxe) [Reach]

Next Friday, February 6, 2026
ALBUMS
Ashes Awaken Rise [MTS]
Life.Church Worship El Camino - EP [Ocean House]
Ricky Dillard, Ron Carter Sweet, Sweet Spirit [Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Freedom Church Good On Your Promise - Single [DREAM]
Josh Grove, KJ-52 Rain Or Shine - Single [Syntax]
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Apple Pie - Single [Ocean House]
Love & The Outcome For the Beauty of the Earth - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
Hunter Plake Lousiana Rain - Single [BEC]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images

 

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
All materials copyright of Jesusfreakhideout.com   ©1996-2026 Jesus freak Hideout. *Celebrating 30 Years* All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy