When Jimkata plays Saturday night at Kings Rook, you may wonder if it’s 1986 or 2016. The New York trio crafts inviting, synth-pop gems that would have felt right at home in the 1980s, with influences such as Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode and New Order, among others.

“That era is definitely a big influence on us,” said Evan Friedell, Jimkata’s lead singer and guitarist. “Aaron (Gorsch), who does the synths, grew up with a lot of '80s-infuenced music in the house, and we’re all kind of big Genesis fans.

"We all have just taken a real liking to the power and the beauty and the depth you can get from an analog synthesizer.”

Unlike some synth-reliant bands, though, there’s real warmth and soul in Jimkata’s music, not to mention percolating grooves and an occasional rock edge, thanks to Friedell’s guitar work. While the band’s crazy light show envelops you and the dance floor throbs, it’s easy to overlook a simple fact: Jimkata writes tuneful, layered, thoughtful songs.

For Friedell, the key is to not go crazy with technology and keep the art of songwriting in mind.

“We have so much technology at our fingertips. You can open up your laptop and bring up programs to explore 1,500 different synth apps,” he said. “You can throw in as much percussion as you want; you can do whatever the heck you want.

“What I’ve always tried to do when I’m working on a demo or a song is to take a break, step back and bring out an acoustic guitar and play the song. I ask myself, ‘OK, is this a good song by itself without any bells and whistles? Is it a good song at its core?’ Because that’s the kind of music that I love and I feel that can communicate the most to people. You become a part of people’s lives in a way when something has some melodic and lyrical depth to it.”

Friedell got proof of that at this past summer’s Great Blue Heron Music Festival when Jimkata played “Jumping Out of Airplanes” from the trio's new album, “In Motion.”

“Before we played it I said something like, ‘This is a song about taking risks and taking chances in life,’" he recalled. "We heard later, at that moment, somebody asked their girlfriend to marry them — proposed right on the spot.

“We thought that was really cool. Moments in people’s lives get to be tied up in your music — that means everything.”

On stage — whether headlining an outdoor fest or a club — this band is in total control, delivering fluid, immersive sets that unite crowds and lift them up. They deliver transcendence through dance.

“It’s pretty dark, weird times right now in America and the world. People are going through a lot,” Friedell said. “I look at music as sort of an aid to the times that we’re in. Certain music sticks with you your whole life because of memories you formed with it. It got you through a certain time or whatever. We have always (striven) to make music that can become a part of people’s lives.’

Following Jimkata’s set, drummer Packy Lunn will transform into Weazildust for a DJ set upstairs, spinning a mash-up of original grooves and electronic-based music with a heavy '90s vibe.

Jimkata, along with opening act The Paladin, play Saturday, 9 p.m. at Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. After party upstairs with Weazildust. For info on membership, call 456-6439 or see the club’s page on Facebook.

1. Early Halloween: The Ladyfest Erie Costume Party features art, vendors (jewelry, soaps, cookies, more) and live music on Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., at Basement Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. Performers include Brooke Surgener, Jack’s Mom, Planet Claire, the Travel Agents and one with an unprintable name from Pittsburgh. Admission is $5.

2. Irish rock: The Bastard Bearded Irishmen play ferocious, Celtic-powered drinking songs that hit you in the gut. They return Friday, 9 p.m., to Sherlock’s, 508 State St.

3. Blues time: The Riffriders cut loose Friday, 9 p.m., at Brew Brothers inside Presque Isle Downs & Casino, 8199 Perry Highway.