They’re hard, fast and loud, and one of the coolest bands around: OFF! If you have yet to listen to or experience the riveting musical carnage that arises from these punk all-stars, you best get your ass in check and ride with the big boys for one of their wild sets. Led by original Black Flag/Circle Jerks frontman Keith Morris, OFF!’s first four EP’s totaled to about 17 minutes but left you with a face-melting impact that lasted for days.

We caught up with their insanely rad, drummer, Mario Rubalcaba (also of Earthless/RFTC/Hot Snakes/Clikitat Ikatowi), to hear how it’s all going down for them at SXSW.

• How many SXSWs have you done?
  This will be my 5th round at SXSW, three times w/Earthless and 2nd time w/OFF!

• What showcases are you doing this year?
  OFF! will be plenty busy and will be distributing alot of energy at these showcases: Vans, Pitchfork, Vice, Spin and Mess w/Texas
• What bands/performers do you want to see at SXSW?
  Any bands playing the HoZac records two showcases, The Mullens, Raveonettes, Bad Brains, but we’ll see if time is on my side.
• What word of advice would you give to newbie SXSW’ers?
  Get ready for a good 3-4 days of little or no sleep, lots of walking, sore feets, sore lower back, dodging people all over the streets, tons’ o’ beer & BBQ, and soooo much music going on all over that it is just super overwhelming. But you are gonna have a really good time overall.
• SXSW drink of choice?
  I try to stick to the tecate, but lonestar is cool…

Words: Sandra Burciaga