rock show Archives - Rock Oracle

Recently, we were invited to the Cannery Hall to check out a band called Madam Radar. First, to set the scene, Cannery Hall is a well-known, beloved – and newly revived – multi-room venue, housed in a brick building that was built in the 1800s. (Us natives and tourists alike love Nashville’s historic buildings). Our show was in “Row One” – one of four venue spaces – and my main plan was to focus on taking photos of Madam Radar for Melinoe to use in her write-up. As we walked into Row One, though, I was taken back by the sound of guitar slides, simple – yet captivating rhythm sounds – and that specific, soulful resonance you can really only experience with Blues music. It was the opener of the night: Nicky Diamonds

FEATURED MUSIC NEWS

June 23, 2026 Contributing Author

615 Indie Live Expands Into Year-Round Showcase Series

Following the success of the annual 615 Indie Live festival, organizers today announced the launch of the 615 Indie Live Showcase Series, a monthly concert series that will rotate among Nashville’s independent venues, pairing each host venue with a lineup of emerging local artists. The new series is designed to keep support for independent venues in the spotlight throughout the year, culminating each February with the annual 615 Indie Live festival.

ALBUM REVIEWS FEATURED

June 22, 2026 Mooney

Fenian: Kneecap Album Review

“Fenian”, a term that has historically been used, often derogatory, to describe Irish nationalists and republicans. Over time, however, the word has come to symbolize a big “fuck you” to the British government. I truly love a story of taking back a word and using it against those who gave it to you. To truly understand the word’s significance, one must first understand Ireland’s long and complex struggle for self-determination. A self-determination that is truly inspirational if it’s truly seen for what it is. Personally, a motivational story to myself. Not only coming from an Irish family, but coming from a story of self-preservation.

FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS

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.

B Sides FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS

June 7, 2026 Stacy Marie

Broadening My Musicality with Behemoth

Thankfully, my husband (Dustinn) and I have similar tastes in music. When it comes to the Metal genre, though, Dustinn definitely has a broader horizon than I. One of the more obscure sub-genres of Metal is Death/Black Metal (honestly not sure I fully understand the difference between the two, but I’m learning!), and while Dustinn looooves it, I don’t normally partake in leisure listening. It’s never really been my vibe and, most times, winds up making me unbelievably uncomfortable. “This sounds too evil – turn it off” … something I’ve had to say more than a handful of times LOL

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!”