Lorely Rodriguez, recording as Empress Of, has released her fifth album Dream House, written in the aftermath of her family home burning down during the 2025 California wildfires. The album explores both the literal rebuilding of her physical home and the more metaphorical question of what it means to feel at home emotionally. Despite the traumatic circumstances, the record presents a remarkably hopeful and open-hearted response to loss, showcasing Rodriguez's established tendency to evolve her sound and explore complex themes.

The album features a softened, humid atmosphere filled with hope, with field recordings of the home's construction interspersed throughout. Rodriguez's production employs undulating synth lines paired with her distinctive vocal approach across varied tracks, from energetic pieces like SYW and HandsOn that evoke ecstatic desire to more contemplative moments such as Blue Light featuring Dev Hynes. The record demonstrates Rodriguez's range as an artist, moving away from the directness of her previous album For Your Consideration towards a more atmospheric, free-flowing sound that ultimately conveys optimism through both upbeat and calmer moments.