It's certainly odd that eight years after dropping off the face of the planet, Dylan Carlson is out, about and playing shows again. His former label, Sub Pop, was certainly shocked to hear the news and Carlson himself was properly vague when asked what he's been up to all this time: "Oh, nothing really. Just taking care of some personal problems." There are, however, a few things of which we can be certain. This four-date mini-tour is to promote the recent reissue of Sunn Amps and Smashed Guitars (featuring Kurt Cobain, as you may recall) on Philly upstart No Quarter Records. Earth's current incarnation features Carlson on guitar and his girlfriend Adrienne Davies on drums. And yes, the duo will have some new material on hand. "It's more improvisatory," he said. "I'm still throwing some old riffs and stuff in, but I've always been into improvisatory music -- lately I've been listening to a lot of jazz -- so I try to incorporate that." Carlson said that while they're not certain whether the new shows and new "spacey metal" will lead to a new record, he has found himself motivated to make music again and hopes that things unfold in that direction. "I'd like to expand the band later if it becomes more of a full-time thing," he said. "Bring in some more instrumentation ... that's my ultimate goal."

Wed., Sept. 18, 9 p.m., $8, with Party of Helicopters and Lickgoldensky, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888.

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