The term and idea of "grunge" often gets misused and misunderstood, as if everything emanating out of late '80s, early '90s Seattle sounded like Mudhoney and wore ridiculous amounts of flannel. It's simply not true. Anyone who was there can tell you so.

Coffin Break was there.

Staples of that now world-famous, rainy moment in Seattle music history, Coffin Break wasn't built on the prototypical grunge sludgery and drudgery, rather they came at the g-word with the searing power of punk - eventually landing a deal with major label Epitaph for their effort and ass-kicking.  With six records to their name, most of which were released by the classic C/Z Records, Coffin Break — through six or seven years — made a name in the Northwest music scene that still raises eyebrows and intrigue today. The band, which was led by Peter Litwin on guitar and vocals and Rob Skinner on bass and vocals, officially broke up in 1994.

The band has rarely played since; when it has always to the delight of the horn-and-glass-raising faithful. Saturday, Coffin Break will once again return, plugging in at Hell's Kitchen and setting a flame underneath the slumbering asses and memories of longtime Northwest music fiends.

Adding to the magic, Coffin Break played its first show ever at Tacoma's Community World Theater. You've got a chance to welcome the band back this weekend.

Coffin Break

with Jet City Fix, Blanco Bronco, Pioneers West,
Saturday, June 19, 9 p.m., $8 ADV, $10 DOS
Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.759.6003