The Mess Hall fall into the same category as the White Stripes and the Black Keys, as a guitar-and-drum blues-rock duo influenced by Mississippi blues and Zeppelin power drumming. Singer/guitarist Jed Kurzel and drummer Anthony Johnsen formed the group in Sydney, Australia, in 2001. Using a lo-fi approach, they recorded their self-titled debut and signed to Shock Records for the Feeling Sideways EP. Johnsen left the band soon after, and was replaced by drummer Cec Condon of the Tremors and Mexico City. A smashing live show earned them big tours, including supporting slots for Jet, the Strokes, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, and Wolfmother. Released in 2005, Notes from a Ceiling found the Mess Hall at their creative peak, and was followed with Devils Elbow in 2007 and For the Birds in 2009. ~ Jason Lymangrover