There is something so rich and sumptuous about the seventh outing from dreamy Baltimore pop duo Beach House, aptly titled 7. Something about it feels so very Seattle—moody, gray, and damp, yet stunningly awash in color and sparkling and glinting with a peek of sun. Which is exciting, because I loved Beach House after their 2008 debut, Devotion, but felt pretty blasé about everything that came after, up until 7. You know who also loves Beach House? Charles Mudede. When I asked him why, he replied, “They relax me… I love that exhausted mood.” Which I never really thought about, but it makes perfect sense: Their music is dazzling, yet the ethereal lassitude envelops you like a warm sonic blanket. by Leilani Polk