Los Angeles (CNN) -- The Pixies have just played their signature anthem, "Where is My Mind." As the crowd begs for an encore, Black Francis stands alone at center stage, an uncharacteristic grin spread across his usually enigmatic features. Guitarist Joey Santiago and drummer David Lovering are already heading for the wings, while their new touring bassist, Kim Shattuck, slips into the crowd, eager to shake hands with rabid fans. The Pixies are in the midst of headlining a series of sold-out club dates and festival appearances in support of "EP-1," their first collection of new music in 22 years. It's also their first tour without original bassist Kim Deal, whose departure from the quartet was announced in June. Despite some tensions in the past, her decision blindsided her bandmates.
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The Pixies return with "EP-1," their first new music in decades
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The band is playing a series of club dates to promote the album
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Black Francis opens up about Kim Deal's departure
"She just said, 'I'm leaving on the next flight tomorrow,' " recalls Charles Thompson IV, aka @placeholder.