Labyrinth are back - leaner, meaner, older...

The only link between St Helena and Hinckley? Combining rock, folk, flamenco and jazz, Labyrinth could prove to be a sound investment...

Phil Briggs and Laurence Skermer are the permanent members of the band, whose influences are so varied that they won't even bother to list them (unless someone is actually interested).

So what style of music is it that they play?

"I don't really know" said Phil during a trip to the bar recently. "The most important thing is that it has 'style' rather than necessarily having 'a style'."

What is certain is that Labyrinth provide a sometimes complex cocktail of instrumental music, occasionally playing along side a guest vocalist.

Phil plays guitars and very occasionally (and only after a certain amount of alcohol) the flute. The guitars used primarily for live performances are his treasured Variax 700 acoustic and 300 classical - both by American manufacturer Line 6.

Laurence plays a number of basses including his favourite Aria Pro II Magna five string fretless and Swiss-built (gasps from the audience) Koopal 4 string fretted, swapping to acoustic guitar when the need arises.


The history of Labyrinth
Laurence and Phil were founder members of Labyrinth way back in the late 1970's.

"In those days, we were a six piece" explained Laurence. "Also on board were Gill Pridham (vocals), Mark Long (drums), Alan Stott (keyboards) and Mark Cook (guitars).

"I don't think that our poor old bodies could stand lumping all the equipment about that we used to travel with. These days it's much more straightforward with a bass, a lead, and a few bottles of beer" confirmed Laurence.

He then revisited the "influences" question. "I do have a number of important influences" he said, having reconsidered.

"They include Pedigree, Bishop's Finger, Adnams, Abbot Ale, Spitfire and many others worthy of mention" he concluded with a far-away look on his face...

Number one record!
"It's true - we have had a number one, called 'Smile Crazy'" enthused Phil. He then added with a grin "It sold literally dozens of copies on the island of St Helena (in the South Atlantic ocean) in the early 80's. It was the only record in the top ten that wasn't country and western."

The album
According to Laurence, progress is steady rather than speedy.
"It should be ready for release by the end of 2008" confirmed Laurence. "Though these things do take a little longer now - Phil does need a bit of a nap in the afternoons. Looking like an aging hippie does take it out of you..."

Further information / contact
Email Phil: philip.briggs@virgin.net
Email Laurence: laurence.skermer@ntlworld.com