Live Review: Ted Danson With Wolves, Nebraska, Millimeter, Global World

It was a particularly grizzly night in the so called city of churches when Sydney's Ted Danson With Wolves rolled into the Metro. After the venue's remnant dining fixtures were removed, Global World stepped into the spotlight. The group were obviously fresh to performing, appearing somewhat shy. They versed an ambient instrumental style, and although vocal parts were attempted they couldn't be heard. They make use of their three-guitar line-up, with one a substitute for bass guitar – through a series of effect pedals and the supplied bass amp, they achieved a similar yet unique bass sound.

A swift changeover brought Millimeter to the stage, along with an eye-catching orange Gretsch which their guitarist has clearly mastered. Although they performed with a stand-in bassist, it was as if he'd always played with them.

Then it was finally time for Adelaide to witness the energy that is Ted Danson With Wolves. Their sound is unique, so much so that it becomes difficult to define. While the underlying theme is seemingly punk, the band make use of complex rhythms and time signatures and yet maintain an ambient quality throughout. Add a saxophone, and you've got Ted Danson With Wolves.

They opened their set with latest single Never Look A .Gif Horse In The Mouth.  Their unusual chord progressions were held together with a gritty bass tone, while technical guitar lines danced atop.  It became quickly evident that each member was highly talented at their chosen instrument.

The generally awkward banter you'd expect between songs was quite the opposite; it was amusing and charming. On a variety of occasions vocalist Nick Levy had the crowd smiling and laughing, particularly as he described the band's current range of merchandise – hand-printed thrift shop shirts and cassette tapes.

Their genuine excitement to be performing in Adelaide was easy to notice, making it clear that Ted Danson With Wolves are true entertainers. Rounding out the evening was Nebraska, who played a style reminiscent of the early '90s post-hardcore sound, which heavily features melodic guitar lines backed by a down-tempo beat. While the band performed a largely ambient style, the vocals were a blend of singing and yelling in a more traditional hardcore style.