So far, 2011 has been a strong year for debut albums. This week synth-pop project Swimming With Dolphins will add to the growing list of anticipated debuts as they release their first album, Water Colours.

The band is the brainchild of Austin Tofte, a Minnesota native who originally formed the project with Adam Young (who would later move on to Owl City fame). Swimming With Dolphins employs other musicians live, but Tofte carries the bulk of the studio work by himself.

Watercolors marks the beginning of Swimming With Dolphins' tenure with Tooth & Nail, following up an independent EP released in 2008. The album takes its place with the other Christian artists who are exploring the synth-pop universe in the wake of Owl City’s success.

The album is surprisingly mellow overall, particularly considering the genre. The album opens with the love song “Holiday,” which relies heavily on back-and-forth male and female vocals. Here the somewhat cynical lyrics seem to contrast with the upbeat backing. This track sets the tone for much of the album, creating an atmosphere that is further cemented by the melancholy “Easy.”

Some of the tracks do take a slightly more upbeat, almost dance vibe. The shimmering “Sleep to Dream” is one of these tracks. Tracks like “Diplomat” and “Jacques Cousteau” add some new themes to the album, taking on the general theme of apathy. “Diplomat” does have the somewhat random placement of some stronger-than-expected language, using “why the h***” at one point towards the middle of the song. This proved a bit jarring for me, and probably will for more than a few listeners.

The title track is halfway through the album and is one of the better songs offered here. The chorus is catchy and instantly memorable. Lyrically, this song also deals with a somewhat dysfunctional relationship.

One of the highlights of the album is the track “Captured,” which can be understood as a worship song encased in an ethereal synth-pop shell. The chorus is a cry of surrender. Tofte's vocals shine here as he sings, “You’ve got me down on my knees, my heart is yours and I am captured.”

The album finishes stronger than it begins. The track “Happiness” manages to sound simultaneously layered and yet very simple. This track also leans heavily on female vocals. The overall effect is haunting.

The closing track mixes things up a bit, drawing on rapper Mod Sun for a guest verse. This track is possibly the most positive and upbeat lyrically as well as musically. It is a strong finish and a good way to end a darker toned album on a positive note.

Closing Thoughts:
It is nearly impossible to listen to a contemporary synth-pop album without comparing it to Owl City, even more so when the album is released by one of Adam Young’s former side projects. This album definitely follows in some of the same musical veins as Owl City, but lyrically the two are vastly different.

Water Colours is an album of struggle, usually within the context of a romantic relationship. Tracks like “Captured” provide a much needed break from the somewhat moody overall framework, and I would like to see Tofte attempting more songs in that direction.

Regardless, the floating, dark, mellow atmosphere will probably appeal not only to synth-pop fans but also to anyone who needs good, moody music for a late night. Swimming With Dolphins does not bring anything incredibly new to the electronic table, but there is a refreshing originality in the tension maintained between the lyrics and music. The release is a promising display of elements that will hopefully be further developed in future albums.