Ambient Blue
2008 EP by Swimming With Dolphins
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Ambient Blue is the debut release and first EP by the American electronica band, Swimming With Dolphins. It was released on September 2, 2008.[1]
| Ambient Blue | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | September 2, 2008 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 23:42 | |||
| Label | Independent | |||
| Producer | Adam Young | |||
| Swimming With Dolphins chronology | ||||
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It is the first and only release with Adam Young, before shortly leaving the band after its release as Owl City's popularity began to increase.[2]
Background
The EP was produced by Adam Young.[3] The song "Silhouettes", from the album, features guest vocals from Breanne Düren.[4] In addition to the main release, the band also put out a cover version of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" as B-side single to the EP.[5]
In September 2013, Tofte did an interview with Chris Herlihy's weekly syndicated radio show and talked about the band in general, which included a look back at the EP, where he revealed the EP was recorded in Young's parents basement.[6]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AbsolutePunk |   [7] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout |  [8] |
| New Release Tuesday | [9] |
| Under The Gun Review | [10] |
Ambient Blue was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. AbsolutePunk stated, "It's obvious they have the ear for lyrical strength, great vocal application, and strong production."[7] Ben Cardenas of Jesus Freak Hideout called the EP, "inventive, catchy, and lengthy." He described the song "Everything's A Miracle" as "a fun dance song" and stated that the track is the highlight of the album. However, he criticized the track "Sunset 1989" for its sloppy, awkward chorus and called the song, "the weakest link on the album."[8]
Despite having no chart success, the EP managed to sell over 9,000 copies on iTunes.[3]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Austin Tofte and Adam Young, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Silhouettes" (featuring Breanne Düren) | 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 |
| Total length: | 23:42 | |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Fast Car" (originally performed by Tracy Chapman) | Tracy Chapman | 4:39 |
Personnel
- Swimming With Dolphins
- Austin Tofte – vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, programming, engineer, audio mixer
- Adam Young – keyboards, piano, synthesizers, programming, engineer, audio mixer
- Additional musicians and production
- Breanne Düren – additional vocals on track 1, backing vocals on track 4