Few albums this year were quite as luxurious as Moon Tides, right from those sparkling opening moments of “Pendulum.” It’s an album where ethereality is delicately woven with a grounded smoothness, all stargazing while floating in the water. It flows as naturally as the elements, making every dynamic shift feel right, peaking with “Scotty,” which hit “Time After Time” levels of slow-dance perfection, and riding it out to the closer “Temple Of The Moon,” which is just slightly colder, like the first brisk day in autumn. A special mention is merited by “Evergreener,” which musically and lyrically captures the childhood love of nature — and nature of love — that XTC perfected on Skylarking and remains near-impossible to replicate. But Pure Bathing Culture do that and more here, all while making it look as natural as a leaf flying in the breeze. –Miles [LISTEN]