I have a confession to make: I've never worn earplugs at a concert. Yeah, that's right. Earplugs are for wimps. I'm too tough for those little annoyances. Which of course means I probaby have only five, maybe ten good years of hearing left. Stupid, stupid me.

If there's ever been a double bill that's made me think twice about my macho, no earplugs stance, it's the pairing of Mogwai and Fuck Buttons. The two bands will bring their sonic assaults to North America in September. You might remember that that's the month Mogwai will release both its new album, The Hawk is Howling, and its EP with psych-rock legend Roky Erickson, Batcat. Both will come via Matador. Fuck Buttons will be supporting the duo's debut album from earlier this year, Street Horrrsing. The tour includes a stop at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in upstate New York curated by My Bloody Valentine.

Tour dates (earplugs not included):

09.04 Seattle, WA: Showbox

09.05 Victoria, BC: Element

09.06 Vancouver, BC: Commodore

09.08 San Francisco, CA: Grand Ballroom

09.09 Los Angeles, CA: Wiltern

09.10 Tucson, AZ: Rialto

09.12 Austin, TX: Stubb's BBQ

09.13 Dallas, TX: Granada Theatre

09.15 Atlanta, GA: Variety Playhouse

09.16 Richmond, VA: The National

09.17 Washington, DC: 9:30 Club

09.18 New York, NY: Terminal 5

09.19 Philadelphia, PA: Starlight Ballroom

09.21 Monticello, NY: Kutshers Country Club (All Tomorrow's Parties)

09.22 Boston, MA: Wilbur Theatre

09.23 Montreal, QC: Metropolis

09.25 Pontiac, MI: Crofoot

09.26 Chicago, IL: Congress Theatre

09.27 Minneapolis, MN: First Avenue