Although the artist (Malkmus) and group (The Jicks) have now sort of become one, they started out as separate entities. Around the time that Pavement split up (1999? 2000? The actual date remains a mystery) Malkmus had ventured out as a solo artist and was collaborating with Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth for a side project, Kim’s Bedroom. Working with him were John Moen and Joanna Bolme, collectively known as the Jicks.

The chemistry was good enough for them to launch a tour early this year. including a performance at the South By Southwest conference. In the incestuous band universe where everyone knows everyone, Justine Frischmann of Elastica joined the band for some European dates, while former Pavement percussionist Bob Nastanovich acted at the Jicks’ tour manager.

This time around, the group heads out October 20 in Sacramento and plays to U.S. audiences until November 20, at which point they hop over the border into Canada for two gigs.