SXSW Thursday Dispatch: Black Lips, BADBADNOTGOOD, Parquet Courts

For better or worse, Wednesday’s tragedy could not stop the bacchanalia and brand promotion of SXSW. With beefed-up security and a midnight moment of silence for the victims of the car crash on Red River, the festival continued into Thursday without interference. Here’s the rundown on what sets we caught. BADBADNOTGOOD (ft. Tyler the Creator) – Red 7, 3 p.m. Toronto-based trio BADBADNOTGOOD casually toe the line between hip-hop and jazz, unafraid to sway towards either pole when necessary. A true refreshment from the slew of SXSW bands that can only vaguely play their instruments, BBNG have a supreme command over their work. Seeing the piano-drums-bass outfit live is an exercise in improvisation, an energetic animal that can’t quite be contained. It’s a unique draw, blending Chick Corea keyboards with beats normally reserved for an 808 drum machine. With two songs remaining in their set, Odd Future’s unabashed leader and portable hype-machine Tyler the Creator took the stage to weave his rhymes with BBNG’s rhythms. Though it wasn’t a surprise for anyone with a smartphone or a schedule, the pairing represented the best of SXSW: world-class talents mashing up live, unrehearsed and free for anyone willing to wait in line […]