The Mediæval Bæbes

Mistletoe & Wine (Nettwerk America)

By Amber Drea
Published: November 16th, 2003 | 2:25pm

Don't let the Mediæval Bæbes' innocent, childlike voices fool you. Though these eight lovely London ladies sing haunting madrigals from the Middle Ages, their attitude is far from old-fashioned.

Billed as a Christmas album, their latest CD is a greatest hits of sorts, comprised mostly of songs from their previous four recordings. Though the selections are not the usual holiday season favorites, they still conjure up that familiar feeling you get when you smell the scent of cinnamon, pine trees, and cool, crisp snowfall. They take you away to ancient European castles, holy church sanctuaries, feet-stomping pagan celebrations, and the rolling green hills of Ireland. Some tracks are magical ("Glass Window"), some are solemn ("There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu"), some boisterous ("Kinderly"), some eerie ("The Coventry Carol"). Songs such as "Undrentide" and "Ecce Mundi Gaudium" are rhythmically complex and passionate, reminding me of the Czechoslovakian singer-violinist Iva Bittová. While the tunes are for the most part a cappella arrangements, the Bæbes' voices are often complimented by harp, percussion, flutes, and hand claps. They sing in a variety of languages, including Latin, French, Italian, German, Mediæval Welsh, and Middle English, though it all seems foreign coming from the mouths of these Bæbes. They could be casting a spell on you and you wouldn't even know it.

Since their formation in 1996, the Mediæval Bæbes have gone from færyland to worldwide recognition. Founded by Katharine Blake of Miranda Sex Garden, the group appeals to classical fans as well as neo-goth enthusiasts. Fellow Bæbe and fashion designer Rachel Van Asch constructs a look of futuristic multiculturalism that simultaneously spans history, with her vibrantly colored maiden dresses and fantastic headgear. It seems that each one of the Bæbes has her own side projects: Blake produces the music of other artists, Asch launched a clothing line inspired by their stage costumes, Marie Findley writes comedy shows, and Emily Ovendum fronts the fledgling band Supervia and has written a novel, The Ice Room. But what brings them together is the love of singing songs from the Mediæval era.

In perfect harmony, the Mediæval Bæbes create an aura of mysticism and reverence while evoking the image of carolers making their rounds. Sounding as if it were recorded in a cathedral with tall, stained-glass windows and towering ceilings, Mistletoe & Wine would make a great soundtrack at holiday parties (for which the title contains two important ingredients) as well as cookie-baking sessions with Mom.