Saturday night will be a second chance of sorts for Tacoma. If we’re smart we won’t blow it this time.

The last time Kinski played T-Town — an early all-ages show at Hell’s Kitchen — the masses didn’t exactly show up in full force. Barren would be a more appropriate description of the scene — or at the very least halfway empty. Sure, there were a few kids and a few diehard adults at the Kitchen to see one of Seattle’s best and most well respected experimental hard rock bands — but Kinski deserved more. 

They didn’t get it.

Hopefully, this time around, when Kinski rocks the f*** out of Bob’s Java Jive on Saturday, Sept. 20, things will be different. 

“The Java Jive people approached us about setting up a show and they seemed really nice so we said yes — but a bunch of people better come out or we’re never coming again,” says Kinki guitarist Chris Martin.

All joking aside, Kinski’s scheduled performance at Bob’s Java Jive this Saturday is easily one of the best shows the weekend has to offer — and one with possibilities Martin is obviously looking forward to.

“The Java Jive seems like a cool place. For these types of shows we usually learn a couple of raw, rocking covers. And I’m sure we’ll get drunk. And eat pop tarts,” says Martin of playing inside the huge coffee pot on South Tacoma Way. “There will be some covers for sure — probably at least one that we’ll never play again because we’ll screw it up so bad. This kind of show usually ends up being our favorite type, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Martin and Kinski aren’t alone in looking forward to Saturday’s show at Bob’s Java Jive. With a lineup that also includes Umber Sleeping, the Heavy Hearts, and Waves and Radiation, there’s plenty of reason for excitement. Throw in the fact that Saturday night marks the first “Lava Show” — a new joint effort between the Weekly Volcano and the Jive to produce one mind-bogglingly good show a month and invite every music loving nut in the South Sound to come get drunk and fall down with us — and you’ve the makings of something truly spectacular. 

At least that’s what we’re hoping for. Having a band like Kinski on the bill should help make it a reality.

After releasing Down Below It’s Chaos on Sub Pop in August of ’07 — the band’s sixth full-length on the famous Seattle indie label — Martin and Kinski are slowly putting the wheels in motion for the next step of the band’s voyage — whatever that may be and wherever it may take them. Having been in existence for 10 years, there aren’t many hills left to climb for Kinski, a band that, according to lore, started after a barstool discussion about analog recording. But that’s not to say Kinski has reached complacency — far from it, actually. With a hard rock drive that’s never been questioned and an approach that few bands have the skill or envelope-pushing passion to replicate, Kinski is as relevant as ever. There will always be a musical appetite for the sonic magic Kinski conjures up. 

“We actually just had a rehearsal last night for the first time in a few months where we worked on new material. I’ve been writing in the last month or two and we’re just beginning work on new material and eventually a new record. We’ve worked pretty slowly in the past, but I think this one will go quicker,” explains Martin. “I bring in songs and we kick them around in the rehearsal room and try to come up with something that sounds cool and makes sense. We always say that we’re going to jam out some songs together, but it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe it will later with this record.”

“I’m kind of surprised we’re still together right at this moment. But the music is coming again and everyone seems pretty upbeat,” Martin continues. “We’re building a rehearsal space in our drummer’s garage and are supposed to be heading to Europe for a short tour in December.

Musically, we normally know what we don’t want to do. The hard part is coming up with something new that you haven’t done before that still rocks or is emotional or interesting. Hopefully all three.

We kind of know what we’re doing but we try to wing it at the same time.”

Wing it with Kinski, Bob’s Java Jive and the Weekly Volcano this Saturday night. As far as parties go, this one should be top notch. As far as music goes, it doesn’t get much better than Kinski.

The first ever Lava Show is an event not to miss. Trust me. 

[Bob’s Java Jive, Kinksi, Umber Sleeping, the Heavy Hearts, and Waves and Radiation, Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., $8, 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253. 475.9843]