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