There was a time, not all that long ago, when I would have proclaimed a band like The Blackout Kings to be perfect for Tacoma. Though a little has changed since then — metal horns and handlebar mustaches aren’t quite as prevalent in T-town as they once were — there’s still a large faction of Grit City that’s perfect for this band. That’s how Tacoma came to be known as Grit City, after all.



The Blackout Kings, who will play Club Vertigo on South Tacoma Way this Saturday, July 26 along with Uppercut, Assassinators and Pull Out Quick, are just what they claim to be — a band that’s a lot better drunk. Actually, the Blackout Kings are better if everyone is drunk — especially the audience — and that’s the kind of atmosphere the band’s shows usually inspire. Saturday at Club Vertigo should be no different.



After a long period of inactivity from this three-piece straight-ahead rock and roll outfit (would you expect anything else from The Blackout Kings?), according to MySpace the band recently kicked things into a higher gear.



“Well, we finally have gotten off our drunken asses and are booking more shows,” says the band.



I reckon Saturday’s show at Club Vertigo is part of that.



If you’re old school Tacoma, or you’ve got a DUI or two under your belt, The Blackout Kings are probably for you. Then again, you probably already knew that. The band’s show this weekend at Club Vertigo will be a chance to welcome back some good drinking buddies.



[Club Vertigo, The Blackout Kings, Uppercut, Assassinators and Pull Out Quick, Saturday, July 26, 9 p.m., 5240 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, www.theclubvertigo.com]