Living in a city like Halifax, there are countless talented musicians and it’s not unusual to see super groups to crop up from time to time.  This is exactly the case with Aqua Alta, and while you may not be familiar with their name, I’m sure folks are familiar with the name Jenn Grant (local Singer Songwriter), and her cohorts  Graeme Campbell who is (as per the Aqua Alta bio) a sonic magician for Buck 65 (in addition to a freelance music producer), and lastly and certainly not least Charles (of Superfriendz fame) Austin.

The problem with a 3 track EP is that is feels like an appetizer for your ears, because the moment you settle in to the music, it ends.  That is in no way to fault the musicianship on those 3 tracks, from the atmospheric and aptly titled opener “Sparse”, to “Norwegian Jewel” which has a distinct and very cool Neko Case meets Mazzy Star vibe.  It’s an amazing core track which showcases Grant’s warm and inviting vocals, but it only serves to be the cream filling of the expansive soundscaped cookies which bookend the EP.

This is an excellent introduction to the 3 piece Outfit, but it really only acts as an aural amuse-bouche and whets the appetite for a full length outing, which is supposed to be released later in 2014.  Aqua Alta prove that Halifax is a hotbed of music talent, which fosters bands such as Aqua Alta.  I’m looking forward for that full length album, a scant 3 racks is not nearly enough.