France has developed its own version of oi, the shout-along punk style that once belonged entirely to Britain. Bands like Syndrome 81, Prisonnier Du Temps, Oi Boys, and Rancoeur have built a sound that mixes oi with goth and post-punk, creating something dark, mysterious, and extremely cool. The influence is spreading, with Quebec’s Béton Armé and Edmonton’s Home Front drawing from similar wells.
The Cold Oi Story
Last year, The Guardian ran a piece about this French oi scene, calling it “cold oi” and tracing its roots to Métal Urbain. That band chose a drum machine over a human drummer in the ’70s. It makes sense, but at least some credit belongs to underground legends Rixe. At least one member of Rixe is also in Squelette, a Paris band with a very cool new EP.
Squelette’s Long History
Squelette, whose name means Skeleton, have been around for a decade. Their last release was the very cool 2023 album Fin de Partie. Now they’re back with Soir d’Orage, which translates as Stormy Evening.
What the EP Sounds Like
Soir d’Orage is a punchy but atmospheric record. It leans into oi’s fight-ready energy while adding goth and post-punk textures. There are occasional bursts of new wave melody scattered through the tracks. The whole thing feels ready for a drunken brawl in any catacomb.
The Final Track Is Different
The EP’s final track is a haunted instrumental that isn’t even remotely oi. It’s a fascinating twist.
Why This Matters
This is a real musical shift. French oi is no longer a copy of anything British. It’s its own thing, and it’s influencing bands across Canada.
A Sound With a History
The story starts with Métal Urbain’s drum machine decision in the ’70s. That choice opened a door. Rixe passed through it, and now Squelette is carrying the flag. Rixe themselves are an underground legend, and their influence reaches beyond just their own output. One of their members plays in Squelette, which connects the two bands directly.
The Record’s Place
Fin de Partie was very cool. Soir d’Orage extends that.
The Verdict on Soir d’Orage
Soir d’Orage is a great EP. It’s punchy, atmospheric, and occasionally melodic. The final track is a risk that pays off. If you want a soundtrack for a catacomb brawl, this is it.
What Comes Next
This is a scene worth following. The French oi of today is its own beast, and it’s getting harder to ignore.
“If you’re going to start a drunken brawl in any catacombs anytime soon, this record should be your soundtrack.”
Source material: “French Oi Crew Squelette Release Extremely Cool New EP Soir d’Orage,” Stereogum.
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