Mint Julep Return with the Sparkling 'Deep and Dreamless'

The Portland couple ditch pop in favor of atmospheric textures

Mint Julep is back with their fifth album, In a Deep and Dreamless Sleep, this time ditching the danceable pop structures and instead weave a hazy tapestry that flows from one song to the next.

Portland, Oregon husband and wife duo Keith and Hollie Kenniff have their own projects, with Keith performing his modern classical work as Goldmund and electronic output under Helios. Hollie released the atmospheric Gathering Dawn in 2019, and it’s their other ventures that have inspired this version of Mint Julep.

In a Deep and Dreamless Sleep is the product of a long process, releasing last year’s Stray Fantasies while Dreamless was developed. On this, Keith says, “time is a valued commodity, but we make it a point to do this together. Mint Julep is a good bonding experience, it’s akin to a date night. Our routine is not structured, but we chip away at it, sometimes in long bursts, sometimes in short windows of opportunity.”

The record eases in the listener with the acoustic strum of the opener “A Rising Sun.” It’s a tremendous shoegaze song that recalls the genre’s legends, Slowdive. As the synths layer in and marching snare takes over, Mint Julep elects to allow all the instruments to work together, never building towards a traditional chorus and establishing the album's ethereal tone.

“Black Maps” follows in what turns out to be the last traces of pop on the album. It features a pulsating beat that guides delayed guitars, as Hollie Kenniff’s vocals circle in a trebly tone. On “Mirage,” a bouncing bass riff gives the track playful energy, and its seductiveness recalls fellow dream pop stars Beach House.

The remainder of In a Deep and Dreamless Sleep plays into the atmospheres of the Kennifs other projects. While there are usually acoustic instruments throughout, electronic drones swirl, giving a sense of a world half awake. Other highlights include “Longshore Drift,” “In the Ocean,” and the gentle rousing of the last track “Westerly.”

Though familiar with Helios, I wasn’t drawn to Mint Julep in the past. The bold choice to compose this album of improvisational movements will pay off for anyone that takes the time to allow Mint Julep to paint their gentle strokes.

Gorgeously mastered by Carl Saff, it’s anything but dreamless and is a much better date night than sitting around at Applebee’s.

In a Deep and Dreamless Sleep is available now on Western Vinyl.

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