Backstreet Boys [ tickets ]--who were playing arenas before retreating from the spotlight following a tour behind 2000's eight-million-selling "Black & Blue"--are plotting their return, albeit on a much smaller scale.

The group, which is expected to release a new album this year, is quietly planning a series of club gigs, during which they'll evidently emerge with a new look and an updated sound. Three shows have so far been confirmed by promoters; details are in the itinerary below.

"We're all excited again," the group's Kevin Richardson recently told Canadian Press. "We just needed a break to recharge our batteries and step back and absorb it all, and realize what happened to us over the last 10 years."

He added that the group doesn't plan to continue with the synchronized dance moves for which they were known. "We're practicing what they call 'dancing without dancing' right now," he said.

Though no release date has been announced for the new album, its first single is expected to hit radio on March 18, according to the group's official website.

The entire quintet--Richardson, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and Nick Carter--is on board for the new album and tour.

A statement on the group's Jive Records site reads, "Though the musical direction has shifted with the times, you can definitely expect to hear a classic BSB album with great vocals and great choruses."

The site adds that Max Martin--who was involved in the writing and production of previous Backstreet Boys hits "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," "As Long as You Love Me" and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"--worked with the group one of the upcoming album's tracks.