Hailing from Oakland, Steel Cranes are a no-nonsense duo composed of Tracy Shapiro and Amanda Shuckle. Their brand of wiry, nervy post-punk recalls badasses such as PJ Harvey and Patti Smith. The assault of guitar and drums is dialed in to a degree that would be exhausting if it weren't so exhilarating. Songs speed by in fervent blasts, or they stomp and shake and rattle your bones. As a vocalist, Shapiro is slinky and menacing, trading off sultry entreaties and snarling affronts. Steel Cranes borrow structure from heavy blues, but they twist and distort it into something that feels fresh and exciting, which is not an easy feat. But, when the headbanging stops and the tempo starts racing faster and faster, that's where their power truly lives.

STEEL CRANES, w/ the Redwood Plan, Japanese Game Show, 7 p.m., Le Voyeur, 404 E. Fourth ave., Olympia, $5, 360.943.5710