Australia’s premier exponents of cinematic soundscapes and loose-limbed glam stomp, The Mess Hall are pleased to announce that they will embark upon a national tour, their first in support of their new and critically acclaimed album, “For The Birds” throughout March.
'For The Birds' is a record that sees The Mess Hall heading towards a new kind of beatnik soul that is very much their own. Every song is infused with a gritty kind of beauty, a surfeit of swing and sense of experimentation that is a natural progression from everything they achieved on their previous release, 'Devils Elbow' (winner of the Australian Music Prize in 2007). ‘For The Birds’ sets the band apart as one who create their own world and fill it with narratives of the broken, the forgotten, the misunderstood, and very occasionally, the redeemed, and here those themes are refined and expanded upon. Keen wireless, television and internet aficionados will already be familiar with the fuzzed out funk of ‘Bell’ (with its startling accompanying video featuring Minister Terry Durham) and the glockenspiel and guitar rollick of ‘Tijuana 500’ from the hit parade, and understand that this is a band setting their own agenda and marching to the beat of their own drum.
Where 'For The Birds' departs from The Mess Hall's previous recorded works is in the scope of its musical ambition and the band’s willingness to experiment. The most noticeable change comes in the band’s desire to play with a newfound sense of swing that owes a debt of gratitude to the great jazz players of a bygone era, whilst the live show still retains the raw power for which the band has become so highly regarded. Equal parts soul revue, rock and roll sledgehammer, and real-time live soundtrack, The Mess Hall concert experience is a wonder to behold. To miss it would be simply ridiculous.
The band are delighted to be joined by two of Australia’s finest and most original bands, Bridezilla and Cabins, ensuring that the term “get there early” has never been more appropriate.
Bridezilla need very little by way of introduction, having astonished audiences since their earliest shows with their entirely unique, evocative sounds. Comprising the less than standard line up of sax, violin, two guitars and drums, and featuring the amazing vocal talents of Ms Holiday Sidewinder, this will be their first national tour since the release of their extraordinary debut album “The First Dance”.
Opening all shows will be one of the country’s most exciting new acts, Cabins, who have started to create a serious online buzz with their track “Hounds”, and a compelling live show that belies their tender years. Lying somewhere between Tom Waits, Happy Mondays and Velvet Underground, their music is difficult to classify, other than to say, it’s darkly melodic, spiky and very much their own.
With a line-up of such quality, The Mess Hall’s “For The Birds” March tour will be one of the tour events of 2010. Yes it will.
The Mess Hall 'For The Birds' Tour
with very special guests Bridezilla & Cabins
Tickets on sale now through usual outlets.
Thursday 4 March - Wollongong Uni
Friday 5 March - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Saturday 6 March - Manning Bar, Sydney
Thursday 11 March - Neverland Bar, Gold Coast
Friday 12 March - Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi
Saturday 13 March - The Zoo, Brisbane
Thursday 18 March - Republic Bar, Hobart
Friday 19 March - Hotel New York, Launceston
Saturday 20 March - Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Sunday 21 March - Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Thursday 25 March - Mojo's, Fremantle
Friday 26 March - Rosemount, Perth
Saturday 27 March - Jive Bar, Adelaide