JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Johannesburg-based garage punk band NECKLACE has released its debut six-track album, Manual Breather, through Slovenly Recordings, marking a significant step in the group’s international development and highlighting South Africa’s growing independent punk music community.
Released on November 13, 2026, the album combines garage rock, proto-punk, post-punk and noise rock influences. The project also establishes a new relationship between the South African underground music scene and Slovenly Recordings, with a Brazilian tour scheduled for December.
The release introduces NECKLACE to international audiences while reflecting Johannesburg’s expanding network of independent musicians, artists and grassroots cultural organizations.
NECKLACE Brings Johannesburg’s Underground Punk Sound to International Audiences
NECKLACE consists of Dino Mastropaolo, Alberto Vasconcelos, Kate Gannaway and Dean Hibbert, four musicians who share instrumental and vocal responsibilities rather than maintaining traditional band roles.
Their debut album was produced by Lucas Cowling at Substation Studios and features six tracks: “Stab,” “Angel Says,” “Idol,” “Manual Breather,” “Trance” and “We Buy Cars.”
The recording emphasizes repetitive rhythms, distorted guitars and direct vocal performances, drawing comparisons to influential acts including Suicide, The Stooges and The Velvet Underground.
However, the band’s musical identity is rooted in Johannesburg’s contemporary underground culture rather than an attempt to reproduce earlier American punk movements.
A Sound Shaped by Johannesburg’s DIY Music Community
Johannesburg’s independent music environment brings together punk performances, skateboarding, graffiti, independent publications and experimental art.
Neighbourhoods including Soweto, Braamfontein and Melville have become important gathering points for artists and musicians operating outside conventional entertainment structures.
NECKLACE participates in this interconnected cultural network, performing at grassroots venues and events that combine music with other creative activities.
Events such as Concrete Culture in Braamfontein have brought together live bands, skateboarding, graffiti, zines, visual art and locally produced skate films.
These gatherings demonstrate how independent cultural communities are developing platforms for emerging South African artists.
Slovenly Recordings Discovers NECKLACE at Soweto Benefit Concert
The partnership between NECKLACE and Slovenly Recordings began in August 2025, when representatives of the label attended a performance at Thula’s Purple House in Soweto.
NECKLACE appeared alongside fellow Johannesburg bands Twenty One Children and Club Valley during a benefit event supporting Hope for the Hopeless Children’s Home.
The band’s energetic performance attracted the label’s attention, prompting Slovenly to request recordings.
Those recordings subsequently developed into Manual Breather, establishing the band’s first release through the international independent label.
The collaboration also illustrates how smaller community-driven performances can create opportunities for emerging artists to reach audiences beyond their domestic markets.
Six-Track Album Emphasizes Raw Production and Musical Experimentation
Rather than relying on elaborate arrangements, Manual Breather builds its musical identity around repetition, rhythmic intensity and deliberately abrasive guitar sounds.
The musicians exchange instruments and vocal duties throughout the recording, creating a collaborative approach that distinguishes the album from more conventional rock productions.
Tracks including “Stab,” “Angel Says” and the title song highlight the band’s preference for direct compositions and sustained musical tension.
A music video for “Idol” has also been released, providing another introduction to the group’s visual and musical identity.
Brazil Tour Expands NECKLACE’s International Reach
Following the album’s release, NECKLACE is preparing for a Slovenly-backed Brazilian tour beginning December 2 in São Paulo.
The itinerary includes performances in Mogi das Cruzes and Campinas, followed by an appearance at Mandinga Fest in São Paulo on December 12.
The tour is scheduled to conclude with a December 13 performance in Santo André.
The Brazilian concerts will represent an important international opportunity for the group and mark Slovenly Recordings’ return to Brazil after approximately a decade.
The label also plans to strengthen its connection between South African and Brazilian independent music communities, with Twenty One Children expected to tour Brazil in May 2027.
For emerging South African musicians, international touring can involve substantial travel expenses and complicated visa requirements. The Brazilian initiative offers another route for developing overseas audiences and professional relationships.
Debut Album Positions NECKLACE for Further Growth
The release of Manual Breather represents a new chapter for NECKLACE as the group moves from Johannesburg’s grassroots performance circuit toward wider international exposure.
With six tracks, a partnership with Slovenly Recordings and upcoming Brazilian performances, the band is positioned to introduce its distinctive garage punk sound to new listeners.
Manual Breather is available through Slovenly Recordings, with streaming and physical ordering options offered online.
The album’s arrival also underscores the continuing role of independent record labels and community-led cultural events in connecting emerging musicians with international markets.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.