Jason Shrum, Author at Rock Oracle

June 15, 2026 Jason Shrum

Nashville’s Punk Scene Shows Up

Snooper ripped their opening set starting at around 7:45pm and had there been doors; they would’ve been blown off. Snooper’s latest album, Worldwide, came out in October, and I am happy to say that I picked up a copy on cassette tape during the show. I was right up front for the festivities and the mosh pits. With my camera in hand, I braved the sea of bodies swarming to the sensational music created by the band that was formed by the duo of vocalist Blair Tramel and guitarist Connor Cummins. The band is now rounded out by bassist Happy Haugen and drummer Conner Sullivan. People filled the lot and found spots to watch from every possible angle. It was an all-ages show and I am always so happy to see moms and dads bringing their children to enjoy in the solace of live music. Everyone was having an awesome time and treating each other with kindness.

June 10, 2026 Jason Shrum

Mr. Dinkles’ Insightful EP is Out Now

So, in their messaging you will definitely feel that presence of the punk rebellion. As it was with The Sex Pistols, Black Flag and so many more, Mr. Dinkles keeps this format of not backing down and challenging the norm. Punk is not dead. This is exemplified in “Letter to Elon”, which I have written about in a past article. It speaks on his hypocrisy of not being American yet hating immigrants and spending on rockets when we could use the aid domestically or at least Earthly. It is served up nicely alongside a bed of “Socialism Ditty” that screams about sharing the wealth. “Socialism Ditty is about billionaires taking everyone’s money,” says Rettig. There is humor in the ask but also a furious frustration that looms large.

ALBUM REVIEWS FEATURED

June 3, 2026 Jason Shrum

The Gritty and Authentic New Record from Heels To The Hardwood

The Seattle-based band, Heels to the Harwood, have a new album out called “Let Up”, that will help you turn off that outside noise that rattles your brain and it will assist in easing your soul. The toe-tapping-Americana-fuel ensemble is exactly what the world needs right now to help us navigate this floating rock as it spins into total chaos. The PNW group has always been dripping in wonderful lyricism and smooth melodies, and this album continues with that trend of well-played tracks and brilliant writing. The band formed in 2011 and soon released their debut self-titled album, “Heels To The Hardwood,” in September 2014. They followed this up with their second full-length album, “Love Versus Tragedy,” in February 2017, and their third album, “Where We Come From,” dropped in 2019. In 2023, they released the singles ‘Intentions’ and ‘1 Past 5 (Say Hello)’. The latter now appears on the latest project.

ALBUM REVIEWS B Sides FEATURED INTERVIEWS MUSIC NEWS

May 27, 2026 Jason Shrum

Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul Are Set To Release New Music

I’d say that Cam Gallagher is at it again, but the truth is this dude never stops. I often read about or see the moniker “The Hardest Worker in Showbiz” tied to an artist, and I can honestly say that I have met that someone personally. I first saw Cam play with a southern rock band, and then a soul band and a jazz band, then with operatic band and most recently at a rock/punk show. Oh, by the way, he is a saxophone player. This guy is so versatile that he can play across any genre of music and fit the part. And let me just say that calling him just a saxophone player is very limiting to the full description of what Cam brings to the Nashville music scene.

FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS

May 20, 2026 Jason Shrum

The Criticals, Lombardy and Bad Bad Luck at Skinny Dennis was a legendary Monday!

Monday evening was elevated to a whole new level thanks to RockNite.Nash and Skinny Dennis in Nashville. Along with curator, and guitar Goddess, Grace Bowers, they put on a banger of a FREE show, and it was exactly what we needed on a school night. Three stupefying bands raged the stage with a bewildering showcase that had the crowd moving in both chaos and tandem. There was crowd surfing, moshing and a meshing of community that found the perfect home for folks to let off some steam. Thank you to everyone that made this show happen. What a joyous occasion. Thirsty Thursdays have their place. Taco Tuesday can be pretty great. However, Mosh Pit Monday was exactly what I needed before the work week officially got hectic. The Criticals,Lombardy Band and Bad Bad Luck put on a stupendous show at Skinny Dennis and I was right up front to soak it all in and I feel great for saying YES! to a weekday show.

FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS

May 11, 2026 Jason Shrum

Toadies on tour with a New Album after Nearly a Decade

The current tour is built around a new album called The Charmer. It was released on May 1, 2026, via Spaceflight Records, and it is their first full-length studio release in nearly a decade. Produced by the late Steve Albini in 2024, the 13-track album features a raw, fast-paced sound born from “pandemic-era introspection”. Frontman Vaden Lewis had said in a statement, “This album has been a long time in the works, and it’s such a joy to see it come together, we went back to basics for this session: all analogue, live takes, high energy.” Drummer Mark Reznicek added, “I’ve been a fan of Steve Albini’s since I first heard the albums he recorded with the Pixies and PJ Harvey, so being able to record with him is really a dream come true. In fact, when we first signed with a major label, they asked us who we would like to work with and we all said “Albini!” Well, for whatever reason, the label didn’t go for it. And now 30 years later, it finally happened!”

B Sides LIVE REVIEWS MUSIC NEWS

May 6, 2026 Jason Shrum

Music City Madness, Dee’s Lounge & Everything Local | Vendors, musicians & community came together to create a space filled with harmony

This month’s event was hosted by Dee’s Lounge in Madison, Tennessee. Owner, Amy Dee says of her place, “I couldn’t find a classic country venue around Nashville when I moved here, so I opened one”. Since 2016 it has grown to so much more than just a hub for country music, as the venue host all types of genres with just three simple rules: Pay Your Tab, Don’t Be an Asshole and You Must be 21 to Enter. It remains a classic “dive-bar” with lovely locals and a fantastic staff that want to make your experience a great one. The decor is straight out of the 1970’s (think Urban Cowboy) and you feel like you’vefound a second home when you walk through the doors. Not only is there a space to play music inside with nice sound quality, but there is a space out back with a large stage and plenty of seating and room for dancing on those sunny days. This was one of those days.