Behind Nihil Nisi stands Théo Burri, best known as a member of the post-Oi! outfit Jungle Urbaine. On his solo debut À L’Encre Jaune, he delivers six tracks where Oi!, post-punk and a deeply melancholic atmosphere blend together seamlessly.
The lyrics revolve around friendship, loyalty, fate, death and the determination to keep moving forward despite all the blows life throws your way. There are also plenty of references to barroom culture, memories of years spent together and pride in following one’s own path. Altogether, the record feels like a personal statement from someone who has lived through a lot, gained a healthy dose of skepticism and perspective, yet still retains the will to resist and the belief that better days may lie ahead.
The album carries a clear echo of Jungle Urbaine’s roots, though presented in a more intimate and personal form. If you’re into the darker side of modern Oi! with strong post-punk influences, Nihil Nisi is definitely worth your attention.