Gig Review: The D4 @ Meow, Wellington – 21/02/2025

It’s safe to say, The D4 are one of our finest, rock n roll national treasures, having definitely surpassed what it means to be louder and wilder, twenty four years on from their debut album, 6Twenty – which is still immaculate, on record and live by the way.

So, it was an absolute pleasure to be reviewing them again and add another notch to the countless times seeing them put on a hell of a show throughout the years, since I was sixteen years old.

First off, Meow (not to be confused with its newest counterpart, Meow Nui) is a mighty fine venue for such rock n roll shenanigans. Plenty of room, friendly staff, great to see a long stage you can see from all angles. You want a decent beer and a stage lined with literary classics? Well, they have that too.

It’s kind of an unspoken rule that if there is more than one support band, then the pressure intensifies and you just hope they can deliver. Well, it’s a good thing The Boondocks got the memo, because they played a solid set and really got things moving. There was a good amount of nervous energy from Scott Parker (bass, vocals) Branden Pritchard (drums) but they killed it. You might have heard a few of their singles (Bombs or Sticks and Stones) on The Rock or Hauraki or other fine casting formats. They were a flurry of activity and noise that really spoke volumes of why they deserved to be on that stage. The crowd dug it and it set the tone for the rest of the night. Solid.

Next up, and highly anticipated having not played or toured for two years, and no strangers to our humble music scene, Villainy.

I think there is also an unspoken rule that when bands start out and have to pay their dues, which means relentless gigging, little time off, except to write and record the next record, burn out happens faster than you can blink. Villainy did such a solid for so many years, that at some point it happened to them, like so many others. Having some time off really cemented how solid of a band they are on and off record. Bringing an energy that can only be described as ferocious, they were a great choice to sub in for Head Like a Hole, who unfortunately had to bow out of the Wellington date. Villainy are no means a beginner band, and they go hard at every opportunity. What a treat to see them live again and hear their classics like Alligator Skin and Safe Passage, and their new single, Miles Away (an absolute banger by the way) and to see them having so much fun onstage. That is infectious in itself.

You also know you’re doing something right when a circle pit opens, en masse.

And ending the night with the kind of energy that needs to be studied, the rock n roll kings themselves, The D4.

And they didn’t hold back either, despite having come off a recent five date tour in Japan, they were clearly raring to go with their local leg of their 2025 tour. Busting out the absolute classics from albums, 6Twenty, and Out of My Head (which also coincides with upcoming first ever vinyl pressing of Out of My Head) and yes, even some Luger Boa was thrown in for good measure.

Party, Exit to The City, Sake Bomb all made an appearance, plus many more. The energy was tenfold, and man it was fun. You can tell every time they’re onstage, they are having a blast. The crowd was so into it and it was a joy to see everyone get on the same page. The effect of live music is powerful in the right hands.

What else do you need when the goods are delivered all round? It was an excellent match of bands, energy and venue, making a killer combo.

As always, a job well done. Until next time.