
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
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.comRecord Label: None
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