LIVE REVIEW: WAVE RAIDERS, CHAMBERLANE, KARMA POLICE @ SOLBAR 17/08/25
Photo Sarah Gilpin
Words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi. Photos Sarah GilpinSolbar – Maroochydore – 17 August 2025
It was full on party mode and atmosphere at the Solbar for the Wave Raiders as they officially launched their new song ‘My Way’. It was a celebration of good times and music as local punk rock band, Chamberlane, and the up-and-coming alternative rock band, Karma Police, joined in the fun for a gig that got to show the crowd what the next wave of Australian rock looks like.
The afternoon kicked off with Karma Police. The band have really developed since I saw them last six months ago playing support for Charm Of Finches. They had grown both physically and musically. The Sunshine Coast based Karma Police are a four-piece rock band. The band comprises of: Willem (vocals), Madi (Bass), Will (guitar) and Isaac (drums).
They delivered a setlist that showcased their diverse musical influences with covers of songs by The Fontaines, The Pixes, Silverchair and The Beastie Boys. Karma Police also performed an original song ‘Getaway’ which they delivered really well. Karma Police looked great on stage. They were confident and looked comfortable. The future looks bright for this young band and it appears the practice is paying off. I will look forward to catching another performance by Karma Police as they continue to write their own story in music and hone their skills.
Next up to the Solbar stage was local Sunshine Coast punk-rock band Chamberlane. They got the jump on the crowd with their high-octane starter ‘Lilana’. Chamberlane are Conor (vocals), Josiah (bass), Seth (drums) and Sam (guitar). The band were obviously at the Solbar to have fun as they played their original songs ‘January’ and a song about ‘High School’ where they gave the young crowd advice about “doing their homework” and “eating their vegetables”. The band joked about finding “someone over 18 with ID who could buy them a beer”.
Chamberlane delivered songs about the ‘Other Side’ and an unreleased song in ‘Letting Go’ which was very good. Chamberlane were really supportive of the younger bands and told the crowd about the importance of the day: “it’s history. We are looking at the future of music. The scene isn’t that healthy for young bands. We need to support them,” stated Conor. “Let’s celebrate that they are making music”. Chamberlane, then, delivered ‘Lost And Found’ before closing out their set with a big pop-punk ending in ‘4pm’. They delivered an energetic live performance with their original songs and it was great to watch.
After a short realignment of the stage, the Wave Raiders time to shine had come. And, they burst onto the stage at the Solbar to deliver their set and launch their new song ‘My Way’ in style.
The Wave Raiders kicked off their set with the pop punk jams of their original song ‘Don’t Wanna Be Late’ as they commanded the stage with confidence and got the crowd actively engaged in the gig. Then, they delivered a fun mix of instrumental covers as the drummer keep a tight control of the rhythm and the two guitars jumped off risers, spun like tops and showed off their musical skills to the crowd.
The Wave Raiders demonstrated their youthful energy as they bounced around the stage like jumping beans and even skateboarded across the stage – twice! They had sections of songs where they featured their individual skills on their instruments which was a great touch. The three band members jumped and posed as they delivered ‘Nothing Better’, ‘Killing In The Name’, mash-ups and their own original music. It was that original music that the crowd at the Solbar wanted to revel in as Wave Raiders delivered ‘My Way’ to the crowd. It was lovely that their young fans were singing the song back to them.
There was a slight change of plan for the gig. Pricey was supposed to join to the Wave Raiders on stage but he was unwell. Instead, Conor from Chamberlane stepped up and filled in with a ‘Pricey’ label stuck to his chest and a flanno shirt hanging over his head. He helped the band deliver the Pricey song ‘88’ and The Chatt’s song co-written by Pricey ‘Pub Feed’. It was a lot of fun and the crowd really got into that section of the gig. Wave Raiders took the changes in their stride. They just got on with delivering a great set that was full of youthful exuberance - even the playing of guitars behind their heads as Conor delivered a fake monologue.
The gig at the Solbar was entertaining but most of all skilful. All the bands put on a great afternoon of music and it’s great to see that music is in the right hands for the future. Chamberlane were fantastic. Karma Police have come a long way. And, the future looks so bright for the Wave Raiders –that we will need those shades!
