img src=”http://www.nowtoronto.com/images/critpick.gif” height=”20″ width=”20″>SHAFTDRIVE (Independent) Rating: NNNN
Restraint isn’t something you’d normally associate with metal, but the hard-assed, hardcore chicks behind Shaftdrive know that holding back can pack a wallop. Their powerful and polished debut EP serves up straight-ahead big, crunchy guitars and ominous gothy lyrics. But instead of grating screeches, the double-barrelled assault of singer-guitarists Anne and Dethgrl delivers vocals in a soft and seething deadpan growl that’s as sexy as it is sinister. Dyke metal bands are few and far between, and there’s something gleefully naughty in hearing an angry woman snarl, “I’m on my time, you’re in my place, now I’m on you, riding your face.” No cock, all rock — these dames may speak softly, but they carry big-ass axes. Shaftdrive launch their CD Saturday (November 17) at the Bovine Sex Club.