Seraphina Lotkhamnga on March 20th, 2011

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The Mess With Texas production stages by Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest and L.A.’s FYF Fest at the East Side Drive In was a nice getaway from 6th Street, and much like Auditorium Shore’s stage at Lady Bird Lake, the slight hike was worth it. Although it wasn’t an official showcase, the two stages boasting a lineup including the Strange Boys, Ted Leo, Dead Milkmen and more were places where non-badge SXSW attendees could hang out in the sun.

Just like any other festival out in the open, MWTX had more room suited for unruly mosh pits, dust clouds and screaming hipster kids as well. Odd Future‘s set, which was relocated later in the evening, was definitely a highlight, but as for the bands who were originally scheduled to play the James stage outside, !!! were the ones who stole the show in the early evening.

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) – The dance-punkers provided a shimmy-inducing set as expected. Frontman Nic Offer also came out flamboyantly dancing in shorts as expected. There was no mosh pit during !!!’s set, but Offer got close to the mob in front of him, bending down, looking fans in the eye, pointed, swirling his hips in between pelvic thrusts and eventually running into the crowd, leaving the stage manager to quickly scramble to hold on to the microphone cord. Offer also cavorted backstage with the VIP wristband-holders, promoters, roadies and photographers. At one point Offer went out to the ledge of the VIP area and hung over the rail to get the crowd going some more. Shilpa Ray also joined !!! on stage for a couple of songs, one a Prince cover. Funk, punk and dance was like a tidal wave over the crowd which only grew thicker after each song.

The Dodos – Unlike Lollapalooza last August, the San Francisco band was sans Neko Case this time around but still managed to perform a meaty set with layers in both harmonies and instrumentation the duo is known for on record. As their last set they were scheduled to play at SXSW, there were nothing but kind words from the band as they were happy to be in Austin celebrating their new album, “No Color,” which was released on Tuesday.

OFF! — It’s never a dull time when Keith Morris is standing in front of you. Whether he’s screaming or providing some hilariously witty banter, the man has some sage advice no matter how colorful his language. Morris and his band (which includes Dimitri Coats of Burning Brides, Steven McDonald of Redd Kross and Mario Rubalcaba of Rocket from the Crypt) encouraged one of the most chaotic mosh pits of the day.

Surfer Blood – Although they aren’t from California, Steve McDonald of OFF! swears they could be the next Beach Boys. If they were wise, Surfer Blood should be taking that compliment to the grave. The boys from Florida surprisingly also induced a mosh pit with songs such as “Swim” and “Take It Easy.” With front man JP Pitts playing more confident than ever, one would have sworn they were a hardcore punk band instead of a beachy indie rock band based on the crowd’s reaction.

Big Freedia — There was “azz everywhere,” indeed, during Big Freedia’s set. Also known as the “queen diva,” Big Freedia is perhaps more of a woman than most people but he was definitely not a lady. Hot and sweaty is not an uncommon description for places where booty dancing goes on, but the heat and crowd was getting unbearable at the Moody stage and “azz” anywhere just became too much.

Odd Future — This early set from the rap collective was only the start of events that will have people talking for days. (More to come about their Billboard showcase later.) Eager fans (or those were just curious to know what the sudden hype is all about) awaiting Tyler, the Creator and his crew suffered through sweltering heat and B.O. in the tent only to have the promoters announce last minute, “Odd Future will be playing the stage outside.” People immediately hastily shoved and ran out of the tent hoping they would get a decent view of the group outside. Standing in front of the James stage as a cool breeze now whipped around everyone’s formerly sticky skin, fans were not disappointed by Odd Future. “Free Earl” signs were in abundance and “Wolf Gang” chants never stopped. Underneath the “Supermoon,” DJ Syd tha Kyd consistently stuck her middle finger up in the air as Tyler and Hodgy Beats spit rhymes on subjects making one wonder how they managed to perform on “Jimmy Fallon” a month ago. Rape, death and all manner of obscenities were standard in their repertoire. Watching Tyler and Hodgy climb the scaffold wasn’t anything new for Odd Future fans, but Tyler did surprise everyone by leaping into the crowd. Lance Bangs of the “Jackass” franchise was also there to capture all the insanity. The entire set was incredibly far from the Convention Center in every single way possible.

Twitter: @Seraphina_L