The 13-year-old band – now consisting of Kim Shattuck (vocals, guitar, songwriter), Ronnie Barnett (bass), and Roy McDonald (drums) – will be joined on the road by The Randies for a few West Coast dates (October 3-6). The Muffs began their U.S. tour in early September and will continue to spread the joy of their crispy, hook-happy songs to loyal underground fans throughout the land.

At one point in time, a message on The Muffs’ Web site read, “Yes, we are still a band.” Shattuck said in a recent interview that she needed a break from the group, but was “feverishly” writing songs during the estranged period. The gruff-voiced singer was also involved in a side project called The Beards.

Despite their lengthy departure, The Muffs are back and in full swing. The trio will wrap up their two-month U.S. jaunt in West Hollywood, Calif., at The Troubadour October 6 before heading to Australia for three gigs. From there, the band will fly to Japan for another three dates.