“If Ezza Rose’s dreamy, delicate vocals weren’t so recognizable, one might not realize that her latest album, When the Water’s Hot, is the product of the fold songstress who’s been playing across Portland for the past eight years. Her music, previously built on gentle, minimalist melodies and eerie harmonies, takes a different tone on her new LP. More electrified and slightly more ominous than the simple, lilting sound she previously established, this is Rose at her best so far. Highlights come in and laid-back, doo-wop wint of “Tie Me Up,” the rolling electric guitar on “Under Your Teeth” and the deep, scissoring cello that breaks up the easy flow of “Sailboat Land.” Standout track “Amelie” brings back the vibes of her previous album, Poolside, which she recorded in an abandoned hotel pool— only this time, her gentle sparseness is enlivened by rich punches of instrumentation and creates a striking mixture or Rose’s past, present and possible future.”