Magnetic Fields get 'Realism' on road

Indie-pop veterans The Magnetic Fields have mapped a mid-winter headlining tour in support of the group's forthcoming studio album, "Realism."

The tour kicks off Feb. 4 in Washington, DC, and will hit 15 cities, with multi-night performances in a handful of locations, including Boston (2/10-11); Portland, OR (2/21-22); Seattle (2/23-24) and New York City (3/10-11). Details are included below.

A limited number of pre-sale tickets are available for the shows. Consult the band's website for more information.

"Realism," Magnetic Fields' ninth studio album, is due in stores Jan. 26. The new set was intended as a companion piece to last year's "Distortion," according to the band's figurehead, Stephin Merrit.

"I thought of the two records as a pair, and I initially wanted them to be called 'True' and 'False,'" Merritt said in a press release. "But I couldn't decide which I wanted to be called 'True' and which I wanted to be called 'False.'

"They both have to do with the notions of truth and falsehood in recording and music--not particularly with the lyrics but with the production style."

The group--whose lineup currently includes percussionist/pianist Claudia Gonson, cellist Sam Davol and guitarist/banjo player John Woo, in addition to singer/multi-instrumentalist Merritt--debuted with 1991's "Distant Plastic Trees."