I was made aware of the term “Turbo Oi” just recently through Valentina Infrangibile’s insightful interview with Genoa’s Stiglitz for the webzine Creases Like Knives. Halfway through the interview, Lobo from Liguria’s Oi! band Tigre joins the conversation to explain the origins and meaning behind this half humorous, half serious term.
Well, basically “Turbo Oi” was invented in the rehearsal room of Lobo’s old band Clear Cut, but is now used by various bands and inscribed on show fliers, leaflets, shirts and bomber jackets. The “Turbo Oi! Skinhead” doesn’t compromise with any kind of bootlickers, fencewalkers and cocaine-addicts who call themselves punks or skins. It’s about recognizing that we don’t live in the ‘80s anymore and there are other problems now that we have to face without just cosplaying the good ol’ days. This attitude and its rough sound could be best described in Tigre’s Contro tigre! demo tape.
Tigre rocks a mid to late ‘90s Italian Oi! sound without sounding dated. Four songs with lyrics in their native language about reviving the counter-culture identities for something better. Standing hard and standing strong for your own dignity and freedom. It’s not the age or the way you dress, but the attitude that counts. The songs are really simple yet melodic and full of heart. The third song “Oi! è la potenza” (Oi! It’s the power) is the essence of the “Turbo Oi” sound and message, so everyone should take note.
The turbo gang is here to stay and there’s no turning back.
