About Minos the Saint

The Completely Un-True Story of Minos the Saint

Every nine years, King Minos had a dozen plus young spirits cast into his famed labyrinth to feed the Minotaur, a metaphor of man vs wild manifest into a horrific monster. Of course, we only know this story because of the heroics that led the youngsters back out, newly wizened with the Knowledge of the Maze. In that way, Minos gave them the greatest of gifts.

One does not really know the members of Baton Rouge’s Minos the Saint survived the beast, but one quick listen reveals their mastery of the labyrinthine. A chamber-folk group, if you must, Minos the Saint is a windswept charm assault, a romantic tornado of violins and accordions, French horns and trombones and guitar, the heart of the beast cast into the heavens as a sonic constellation. They are very good.

If one must grasp for comparisons, they are like Simon and Garfunkle at their most intricate amended to include Antonio Jobim and Philip Glass and Van Dyke Parks and maybe a wizard. A handsome wizard with a past and a future in your heart.

​-by Alex Cook (Rakers / Museum Goer)

​Minos the Saint is not what you would call a “traditional” southern Louisiana band. Their music reflects a variety of influences which yield experimental-yet-accessible original folk rock, uniquely representing Louisiana and the world. Cajun and Zydeco roots are joined by Latin, Jazz, and Eastern European styles, along with the group’s shared classical background. Founded in 2013, Minos the Saint uses a variety of timbres including voice, guitar, piano, drums, violin, mandolin, and a brass section, and like the accordion of founding member, Ben Herrington, the band can expand and contract to play to any audience.

“Minos the Saint has channeled their wide range of Louisiana and world influences into a thorough delivery of stunning songs, performances and wholeheartedness.” (Jive Flamingo)

The band has shared the stage with Phosphorescent, Robert Ellis, Wild Child, Brass Bed, Moon Honey, Cardinal Sons, The Brad Walker Quintet, Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands, Mississippi Rail Co., Prom Date, England in 1819, Belle Adair, The Mercy Brothers, and Rareluth.