Saturday marks a homecoming of sorts for a beloved local act as well as the return of one of St. Louis’ prominent rock acts, as Friends & Co. welcomes veterans Sullen alongside area favorites Saltwater Vampires.

Comprised of guitarists/vocalists Justin Slazinik and Shanna Kiels, along with drummer Scott Freman, Sullen has slogged its way through clubs around the country for years. But the band was first noticed regionally after a chance meeting at one of its first St. Louis shows.

The seemingly innocuous gig at the now defunct St. Louis venue The Karma served to jump-started the group’s career.

“We had been calling all clubs and we begged for them to put us on,” Kiel said. “It was cool to see people lined up around the block just to see a show.” It was here Sullen befriended Chicago’s Local H, and the Zion natives quickly took a shining to the trio.

The group was so impressed with Sullen, a stint as an opening act quickly followed for the St. Louis natives. It was during this period Sullen was attracting the buzz that would lead to an eventual signing with Chicago indie powerhouse Thick Records.

“I still don’t know how they (Thick) heard of us. Touring with Local H got our name out there, and Scott (Lucas, lead singer of Local H) was helping us, and labels started courting us a little,” Kiels said.

It was during these meetings, however, the band realized being “wined and dined” by bigger labels simply wasn’t fitting. Only after meeting in the offices of Thick Records in Chicago did Kiels say she felt right about a label.

“I guess we were just more comfortable talking over a can of beer than being taken out for sushi in L.A,” she laughed.

Sullen’s debut for Thick, “Paint the Moon,” was met with positive reviews and the band continued touring throughout the Midwest and around the country. Since the release of “Moon,” the group has consistently toured, though Kiel said the group has been busy recording demos and preparing for another Thick release.

The show’s openers, Cumberland County natives Saltwater Vampires, finally return to Charleston after months of touring.

The group – comprised of Travis Shoot on guitar and vocals, Lance Shoots on bass and vocals and Chris James on drums – began more than two years ago as a backlash to a local scene the group’s members thought was too bland.

“None of us really liked the music that anyone else was playing,” Shoot said previously. “I started writing. And then, basically, I had four songs and Chris had one, so we decided to play those and learn a few covers.”

The band then spread its name by opening for the likes of The Arrivals, The Tossers, Ohio River Rats and a slew of more established groups. Saltwater Vampires also have received a myriad of positive press from “MAXIMUMROCKANDROLL” and “Impact Press” among others.

The band has built its impressive reputation on the strength of frenetic live shows and won over a small legion of fans locally by tirelessly touring.

Saltwater Vampires may have been away from Charleston for some time, but it appears little has changed for the rockers.

“We’re still the champions of the Midwest. We’re still poor. We’re still drunk,” the group’s Web site proudly proclaims.

Kiel, likewise, is optimistic for Sullen’s return. “We did well enough last time to come back and any return show is a good one.”

As for the show itself, Kiel only confirmed the entropic nature of any good rock show.

“I think we are a car crash on stage,” she said. “Some people love it and some people hate it, but they’ll love to watch it. We just love playing and it gets better every time.”

The car crash begins at 10 p.m. with a $3 cover.