oi

   Oi refers to a type of music, closely affiliated to punk rock, that was briefly popular at the start of the 1980s. Designed to appeal to disaffected unemployed youth, oi music was fast and aggressive with lyrics that emphasized dissatisfaction with British society. Bands such as the 4 Skins attracted a violent skinhead following (see skinheads). Many oi bands drew influence from ska and reggae and stressed their multicultural origins, although a minority flirted with fascist imagery and became members of right-wing groups such as the National Front. These bands, such as Skrew-driver, became known as ‘white noise’ bands, and developed links with European Nazis.

   STUART BORTHWICK