Gig Review: Devilskin @ Meow Nui, Wellington – 05/07/2025

Review by Kerry MB // 7 July 2025

With the last night of Devilskin’s Re-Evolution tour landing at Wellington’s Meow Nui on July 5, it was either going to be spectacular or spectacular with some glitches. Thankfully, it didn’t fall on the side of disaster, but one or two glitches there were, which made for an even better night.

Meow Nui is one of Wellington’s venues that, while still new and finding its feet, it’s the perfect haven for any gig. It’s well organised, has plenty of room, great acoustics, and their attention to detail is spot on. It’s the little details that matter the most.

Opening for Devilskin was Midwave Breaks and Villainy. Midwave Breaks were sensational. We have several two-piece bands in NZ, but it never ceases to amaze me how damn good they translate live. It’s one thing to show up and turn on, but Midwave Breaks really did all that and more. What a set. Bruce Conlon (vocals/guitar) and Paul Russell (drums) sounded so great, saving hit single Souvenirs for last. It was awesome seeing so much support from them, even from die-hard metal fans. It seemed like Bruce and Paul were equally enthralled to be in support, and they were so appreciative of the audience. They really epitomised the ‘nicest guys in rock’ badge. Can’t wait to see them again soon.

Now having seen Villainy recently (at sister venue, Meow), I knew they would be in top form again, and they were, despite some initial technical difficulties which took place during the first few minutes of being on stage, when the mics cut out and the audience became one as a massive sing-along. Channeling the power of being the last night of the tour and big venue energy, the inflatable balls came out during Tiny Little Island, of which hilarity ensued as three may have been too many for the enthusiastic crowd. Mic stands were knocked over on stage, and one stand flew off stage into some poor souls, so as swiftly as they came out, the inflatables were whisked away before the chaos took more victims. All in good fun, the enthusiasm never died and they played such a fun set busting out everything from Dreams and Alligator Skin and, yes, even Miles Away which wasn’t played the last time I saw them. The crowd ate it up.

Even as frontman Neill Fraser started to lose the battle with his voice, giving just a hint of what kind of tour it has been, it was still a brilliant set and their energy never dipped.

When Devilskin finally made their entrance, everyone found renewed energy again, and despite Jennie’s voice also starting to give out, she let nothing get in her way. The energy Devilskin still had, not only for the last night of their tour, but also after all these years as a band is always astonishing. Paul Martin and Nail were like two speed demons, stalking the stage making sure every single person in that crowd was seen, heard, and appreciated. Drinks in their hands, they were having the time of their lives, which always infects the crowd.

Fresh from receiving the JD Sports Tā te | People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, Devilskin proudly bought the award on stage to show it to us in a powerful moment that solidified just how far they’ve come, not only as a band but as a metal band from New Zealand. In that moment, regardless of what genre you prefer, it truly highlighted what an important part of our music scene that Devilskin inhabits. And it sent a clear message to every band and artist out there: they too can occupy that same space. Such an awesome sight to witness.

A solid set they played too. Everything from their new single, Swelter to a few favourites, Fade and Little Pills, as part of their encore, and finally getting to hear them play Barracuda live. It was awesome. Honestly, I hope Devilskin tour forever because, it was evident, they will always have lifelong fans.

An absolutely epic end to a great night.