Pōneke Electro-Pop Powerhouse Skram Unleash Epic Sophomore Album What Is A Man

Rooted in themes of life, death, gender, and identity, the album is a magnetic, genre-defying experience that challenges the rigid archetypes of masculinity and invites vulnerability, softness, and self-discovery into the spotlight.

Opening with the anthemic title track ‘What Is A Man’, Skram dismantles the old-school ‘kiwi bloke’ mythos with operatic flair and theatrical swagger. The song’s hook “A man’s nothing short, sir, of your identity”, sets the tone for an album that refuse to play by the rules.

From the genderfluid celebration of ‘Purrple’, to the euphoric resistance of ‘Heroes’, to the existential vulnerability of ‘If We Die’, and the glittering pop-genius of ‘Rainbows In The Fire’, Skram have woven a sonic tapestry that’s cinematic, unpredictable, and deeply human. The record pulses with the influence of Bowie, Queen, Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, and Harry Styles, yet remains unmistakably Skram.

What Is A Man is a rich tapestry of genres woven together, encompassing the anthemic hooks of pop, the raw energy of indie rock, the emotional storytelling of musical theatre, and the expansive textures of ‘70’s progressive rock. It’s an album where shimmering synths meet swelling string sections, gritty guitar riffs crash into falsetto choruses, and theatrical narratives unfold like a stage show inside your headphones. Skram blurs genre lines, creating something wholly new, magnetic, and unforgettable.

Written by Skram and recorded at The Lab Studios in Tāmaki Makarau, What Is A Man was produced by the legendary Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers), engineered by Scott Seabright, mixed by Clint Murphy, and mastered by Ryan Smith. At the heart of Skram are Henry Ashby (vocals, guitar, keys) and Felix Nesbitt (drums, vocals; two dynamic forces blending theatrical energy with raw emotion. With Dylan Jennings (keys, synth, organ) as the band’s third head, Skram is a powerhouse of musicianship and storytelling, crafting music that embraces both the profound and the ridiculous, often at the same time.

The band’s live show is a full-throttle explosion of energy, harmonies, and immersive theatrics; the kind of performance that doesn’t just entertain, but pulls the audience into the spectacle. Whether it’s a high-energy festival stage or an intimate venue packed with passionate fans, Skram’s shows are joyful chaotic, and unforgettably theatrical. They are backed by an ever-evolving line-up of incredible performers including: Gayle Hammersley (backing vocals, flute); Dhanesh Kumar Parmar (bass in studio); Lee Pryor (keys, bass, founding member); Anna Smith (backing vocals); Adele Child (backing vocals) and Terry Liu (guitar).

The band had their first #1 hit single with their 2024 release ‘Serendripity’ exploding onto the Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart, and their debut album Walk Into The Sun received widespread praise.

This is not just an album from this vibrant indie group. To them it is a sparkling, vulnerable, danceable act of defiance, and a glittering, explosive moment in Aotearoa music. Skram invites listeners to embrace their contradictions, question the narratives they’ve inherited, and strut into freedom - in heels, boots, gowns, or bare feet.

Skram are undoubtedly one of the most dynamic, innovative, and unapologetically self-expressive acts currently on the local music scene, and with their epic masterpiece What Is A Man, Skram’s mission to bring bold, inclusive, and emotionally rich music into the world continues.

Note:

WHAT IS A MAN TRACK LISTING

01: ‘What Is A Man’

02: ‘Purrple’

03: ‘Heroes’

04: ‘Sleep Thief’

05: ‘Rainbows In The Fire’

06: ‘Edge Of Desire’

07: ‘If We Die’

08: ‘Tears In Slow Motion’

09: ‘Voice Memo’

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