Gig Review: Meatstock @ Mystery Creek, Hamilton – 14/02/2025

This was a festival of firsts for me in some ways, first time seeing some kiwi artists live, first time at Mystery Creek, and the first time attending a festival for Meat! I couldn’t attend Friday’s show, but after a 10-hour day on Saturday, I got a decent taste of what Meatstock is all about.

Boondocks kicked off the music acts on the Jack Daniels’ live stage. Considering they are a 2-person band, the Tāmaki Makaurau duo pack a real punch. Formed by Scott Parker on bass and vocals, and Branden Pritchard on drums, the pair have climbed to the top of the music scene since their debut in 2022. Their set was and loud and fast, a choice opener for the day. I’ve heard a few of their songs over the years, and was impressed to see that their live performance stands up to their attention-grabbing 2024 self-titled EP.

Retro Valley was next to take the stage. It was my first time seeing them live and it won’t be my last! Ben Pascoe on vocals has outstanding charisma and a captivating presence as front man of the five-piece Hamilton group. The gathering of people around the stage was a bit timid but quickly warmed up with how interactive and fun the show was. We were treated to Ben’s best dance moves and cracking vocals; every note hit despite the boogie-ing going on! Fellow band members, Mitch Walker, Ethan Rowling, Gabe Williams, and Gianni Monti, weren’t partaking in the dancing, but were certainly keeping the pace up with their tight, rocking rhythms. If you’re a full time Rock FM listener like me, you will have heard their hit Backseat Lovers, and if not, what are you doing!? Eat your Indie rock heart out! The setlist was a mixture of high energy hits and melodic sound, expressive lyrics bringing a 2010’s emo rock vibe. Retro Valley have been moving and shaking since joining the Kiwi music scene, so getting to see them on the lineup alongside stellar NZ rock icons is very exciting stuff. If you have a chance to see these guys live, do yourself a favour and go!

Finding something to do in the break between acts is no issue. Throughout the day, you could try your hand at arm wrestling, axe-throwing, speed pool, or even best Dad-Bod competition (although there were a few non-negotiable criteria for signing up for this one). If those options didn’t take your fancy, you could visit the dessert corner, with everything from churros to slushies. There were stalls with meat-themed merchandise and an impressive showcase of classic cars – NO touching allowed, especially not with those rib-nibbling fingers! I feel like the exhibition hall was the embodiment of the dream Man Cave & Garage, but there was something there for everyone to enjoy. In fact, I was so distracted by the multitude of attractions and stalls that I almost walked through the beanbag toss zone; thankfully, I didn’t make the same mistake in the archery area. I also got drawn into the Dragon’s Drool stall on my way back to watch the mainstage and couldn’t resist a sample of their spine and mouth-tinglingly tasty, good hot sauces.

As for the food, the main area, which I nicknamed Wagyu Walkway, was flanked with stalls selling all kinds of hot dogs, loaded fries, ribs, tacos, barbeque, tomahawk steaks, sausages, dried meats, and more. It was great to see so many stalls from with international and local dishes; a perfect chance to try something new or grab a familiar favourite. It’s quite literally a feast for all the senses. If you fancied getting a reprieve from the wafts of smoked shanks, a tattoo from the team from Skinks, or peruse for a meat cleaver; the exhibition hall was the place to be. I’d say the only thing missing was a hammock or beanbag to languish in to digest that belly full of beer and biltong.

Alternative-rock legends Coridian turned up the heat for act three, cracking into the stage flanking flame special effects. Formed in 2015, the band consists of brothers Mike Raven (Guitars/Keys), Kris Raven (Drums/Percussion), Nick Raven (Bass) & Dity Maharaj (Vocals/Artwork). I can’t say I’ve listened to much of Coridian’s music, but I enjoyed their set. I was a big fan of their cover of Chris Isaac’s Wicked Game, which slowed the pace down for a moment.

I noticed people crowding around a fence, and lo and behold, Medieval war games! It wasn’t anything compared to the siege of Gondor, but there was a hefty amount of chainmail and battle cries to be heard during the tournaments; all that was missing was lute music and a war drum. There were adjacent stalls selling handmade bone necklaces, horns, leather belts and satchels. Unique, but great to see all parts of the animal getting used, nonetheless.

I was very excited to see Masaya, especially as I had the pleasure of reviewing lead singer Reiki Ruawai’s debut EP in 2024. Even though the sun wasn’t shining at this point in the afternoon, the set-list brought the East coast vibes of summer haze and reggae. I was super excited to see these guys live, the band has swagger, enchanting beats and rhythm. The laid-back attitude of Raglan has no standing whatsoever on these locals and their skilled musicianship. The crowd were all smiles, dancing along and reveling in the feel-good atmosphere of Masaya’s blend of groove, soul, and indie.

I was stoked to finally get to see the Whakatane legends, Kora, live. The band’s chemistry was palpable, with members sharing smiles and harmonies, highlighting their genuine enjoyment and connection with the audience and music. Lead vocals and founding member, Francis Kora, delivered strong vocals and charm during the set.

Another highlight was watching Richie Allan rocking out on lead guitar in a Akatsuki printed robe. Whether they played their more recent releases or 2000’s catalogue, including On My Mind, it had everyone moving. Kora’s sound remains funky and true to their reggae/dub fusion roots. Their live performance was zesty and sonically powerful, making it easy to see why they remain one of the most Aotearoa’s best live acts.

You want a consistently thrilling rock experience? Devilskin will never fail you. Whenever I have seen them live, the crowd is raring to rock, and tonight was no exception. The energy in the audience is contagious; everyone is hanging onto every note and each swing of the mic. Jennie owns the stage, making use of all levels and corners! Flanked by the dynamic, Nail & Paul, who engage with the crowd all while bringing down the house with their mind-flaying guitar and bass. This is my second time seeing Devilskin live, and I still stand by my first review: They rocked my tits clean off. The track list featured hits Little Pills and Start A Revolution, undoubtably crowd favourites with everyone singing along to the iconic choruses.

Shapeshifter played us to the close of the day, but not before a one-of-a-kind show. The only live New Zealand drum and bass band where nothing is prerecorded, giving an unexpected edge while showcasing their impressive adaptability. As Sam Trevethick (on synth and guitar) has put it, “The essence of Shapeshifter live is that we are completely 100% un-sequenced – no laptop click track. We play ‘off the grid’ using analogue and digital synthesizers.” Their electronic set is reggae and dance heavy, and even if DnB isn’t really your go-to, the live performance brings depth and soul to the songs. The laser and light show were a spectacle and perfectly illuminated the enormous crowd that were having the time of their life – myself included.

My final thoughts and reflections on Meatstock 2025 is that it is about more than just meat. The day was a showcase of excellent food and New Zealand artists, and somewhere for fans and connoisseurs alike to sample and savour. If you missed out this year, put it on your to-do list for 2026!

Photo Credit: Brad Miller / Who Is Brad
The Boondocks Photo Gallery
Retro Valley Photo Gallery
Coridian Photo Gallery
Masaya Photo Gallery
Kora Photo Gallery
Devilskin Photo Gallery
Shapeshifter Photo Gallery