Stroker Ace has only been playing out since November, but this glittery, gutter-rock trio has already proven to be a workhorse on the local scene. Opening up for seemingly every rock show in town from Magic Stick to Royal Oak Music Theatre, Lili’s and the Shelter to Gold Dollar, they’ve nabbed a few headlining gigs of their own, in addition to a stop in Ft. Wayne, Ind., last Tuesday.

Propelled by modestly powerful guitar work from Melody Licious (of Gore Gore Girls and, formerly, Broadzilla), the band’s sound also features dual female vocals from Licious and bassist Jackie O that play off each other riot-grrl style. The effect is at once empowering and inspiring, not to mention a hell of a lot of fun as Jackie and Melody play devil-on-your-shoulder friends who force you out of your house after convincing you to break up with your loser boyfriend.

Meanwhile, Dougie Tangent (Multi-Grain, Consolation Prize) is content with keeping it all together on drums. Oh, and did I mention they’re all 21? Expect endearing awkwardness matched with fast-paced motivation whether it’s live at one of their countless gigs or on recording (already!) when the band puts out a debut self-released, most likely self-titled 7-inch at the end of April, dedicated to Sarah Zeidan, Stroker Ace’s first drummer who was killed in a car accident in June.

Stroker Ace performs Friday, March 9 at Paycheck’s Lounge, 2932 Caniff (313-874-0254) and Saturday, March 10 at Gold Dollar, 3129 Cass (313-833-6873).

Check out the other artists that made MT's 10 more to watch list:

DangerVille
Buzzards
They Come In Threes
S.U.N.
Blush
Saturday Looks Good To Me
Mike Huckaby
Ansonia
Willies

Melissa Giannini covers the metro-Detroit music scene for the Metro Times. E-mail her at mgiannini@metrotimes.com.