First up is an Anaheim, Calif., show December 17 at Chain Reaction with A Thorn For Every Heart. Then the group will join The Starting Line and Max Bemis of Say Anything (who will perform acoustic) for a special gig December 28 at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia where the three acts are expected to collaborate onstage.

The Almost will launch a month-long headlining U.S. tour on January 2 with Forgive Durden and Classic Case supporting.

On the road, Gillespie leads the group on vocals and guitar and is joined by: Jay Vilardi (guitar), Nick D’Amico (guitar), Alex Aponte (bass) and Kenny Bozich (drums).

The Almost is expected to tour throughout 2007, whenever Underoath is off the road.

The band’s debut album is due out early next spring.