The Mediæval Bæbes are a British musical ensemble founded in 1996 by Dorothy Carter and Katharine Blake. It included some of Blake's colleagues from the band Miranda Sex Garden, as well as other friends who shared her love of medieval music. The lineup often rotates from album to album, and ranges from six to twelve members. As of 2010, the group sold some 500,000 records worldwide. Undrentide is the third album by British vocal group Mediæval Bæbes. Special release in the digi-pak format.
"Undrentide" is a CD album by the vocal ensemble Mediaeval Baebes, released by the label Talking Elephant. On this recording, the group weaves together ancient texts, medieval-inspired melodies and ethereal choral arrangements to create a timeless, otherworldly soundscape. Expect crystalline female harmonies, minimal but evocative instrumental backing and a strong emphasis on atmosphere rather than chart-oriented pop structures. The songs move between contemplative, almost liturgical moments and more rhythmic, dance-like pieces, always preserving a sense of enchantment and historical distance. "Undrentide" is ideal for listeners who enjoy early music, neo-medieval or fantasy-inspired sounds, and for anyone looking for an immersive listening experience that feels both archaic and fresh.
Mediaeval Baebes are known for their distinctive reinterpretation of medieval and traditional material, often singing in historical languages or drawing on ancient poetry. Their work has brought early music aesthetics to a wider, modern audience, placing them in the same broad universe as other crossover and neo-medieval acts, while remaining highly recognizable thanks to their choir-like vocals and atmospheric arrangements. Over the years, they have built a loyal international fan base and contributed to the popularization of medieval-inspired music beyond strict classical circles. While they move in a niche genre, their albums and performances have enjoyed sustained success in the realms of world music, early music festivals and alternative culture events.
Talking Elephant, the manufacturer and label behind this release, is known for its focus on carefully curated, often timeless music with strong roots in folk, rock and related genres. The label typically emphasizes quality of presentation, respect for the artists' creative vision and catalog continuity, offering both new recordings and reissues of noteworthy works. With releases aimed at discerning listeners and collectors, Talking Elephant has earned a reputation as a specialist label that preserves and promotes music outside the mainstream, giving projects like Mediaeval Baebes' "Undrentide" a fitting and appreciative home.
"Undrentide" as a CD format underlines the album's character as a complete work meant to be experienced from beginning to end. The physical edition is particularly attractive for collectors who value tangible music collections and for fans who appreciate keeping a permanent copy of an evocative, atmospheric album that rewards repeated, attentive listening.
Folk
20.285
- Folk In General 11.509- France 2.802- Greece 89- Ireland 537- Italy 4.042- North America 247- Russia 117- Scandinavia 182- Scotland 26- Sinti Music 32- Spain/Portugal 530- Turkey 24- Yiddish/Klezmer 148
