Alt-rockers Built to Spill [ tickets ], who haven't issued an album of new material since 2001, take to the club circuit this month to road-test some new songs and to play some old favorites.

The itinerary currently sports seven shows in the western U.S., ending with a pair of appearances at festivals.

The group's Aug. 14 show in Los Angeles takes place during the second annual Don't Knock the Rock Film and Music Festival. That show will also feature the pairing of Built to Spill's Doug Martsch and Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis, who will perform a "live score to surprise footage," according to the festival's website.

According to the trio's label publicist, Built to Spill "is considering hitting the studio" to record a new album, but nothing specific has been set.

The most recent album from the Idaho-based band--Martsch (vocals/guitars/keys/percussion), Brett Nelson (bass) and Scott Plouf (drums/percussion)--was 2001's "Ancient Melodies of the Future."

Following a tour behind that album, Martsch recorded his first solo effort, "Now You Know," which he released in October of 2002.