JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Johannesburg-based garage punk band NECKLACE has released its debut six-track album, Manual Breather, through Slovenly Recordings, marking a significant milestone for the South African group as it prepares for an international tour of Brazil in December 2026.
Released on November 13, 2026, the album combines elements of garage punk, proto-punk, post-punk and noise rock, drawing musical influences from established acts including Suicide, The Stooges and The Velvet Underground.
The release also highlights Johannesburg’s growing independent music community, where underground performances, skateboarding culture and grassroots creative initiatives continue to provide opportunities for emerging artists.
NECKLACE Introduces Six-Track Debut Album Manual Breather
Produced by Lucas Cowling at Substation Studios, Manual Breather features band members Dino Mastropaolo, Alberto Vasconcelos, Kate Gannaway and Dean Hibbert.
Unlike conventional rock groups with fixed instrumental responsibilities, NECKLACE adopts a collaborative approach, with members exchanging guitars, bass, drums and vocal duties throughout the recording.
The album features six tracks: Stab, Angel Says, Idol, Manual Breather, Trance and We Buy Cars.
Its musical direction emphasizes repetitive rhythms, distorted guitar arrangements and energetic performances, reflecting influences from early garage rock and experimental punk movements.
Garage Punk and Post-Punk Influences Shape the Album
The band’s sound combines the rhythmic intensity associated with Suicide, the raw guitar-driven approach of The Stooges and the experimental characteristics of The Velvet Underground.
However, NECKLACE incorporates these influences into a contemporary sound shaped by Johannesburg’s independent music environment.
Among the album’s highlighted tracks are Stab, Angel Says and Manual Breather, which demonstrate the group’s emphasis on stripped-down arrangements and rhythmic momentum.
The band has also released a music video for Idol, providing audiences with another introduction to its musical identity.
Slovenly Recordings Discovers NECKLACE at Soweto Benefit Concert
The partnership between NECKLACE and Slovenly Recordings began in August 2025 when representatives from the independent record label attended a performance at Thula’s Purple House in Soweto.
The concert was organized as a grassroots benefit supporting Hope for the Hopeless Children’s Home.
NECKLACE performed alongside fellow Johannesburg bands Twenty One Children and Club Valley, attracting the label’s attention through its energetic live performance.
Following the event, Slovenly requested recordings from the group, which subsequently developed into the six-track debut album.
The collaboration represents an important international opportunity for the band and demonstrates how independent music events can connect local performers with overseas record labels.
Johannesburg’s Underground Music Scene Supports Emerging Artists
NECKLACE operates within Johannesburg’s independent cultural network, which connects musicians, skateboarders, graffiti artists and other creative communities.
Neighbourhoods including Soweto, Braamfontein and Melville have become important locations for grassroots performances and collaborative cultural activities.
Events such as Concrete Culture in Braamfontein have brought together live bands, skateboarding, graffiti, independent publications, visual art and locally produced skate films.
These gatherings provide platforms for emerging performers while strengthening connections between different artistic communities.
Fellow Johannesburg band Twenty One Children has also identified NECKLACE as an emerging South African act deserving wider attention.
NECKLACE Announces December 2026 Brazil Tour
Following the release of Manual Breather, NECKLACE is preparing for a Slovenly-backed tour of Brazil beginning December 2, 2026.
The tour will open in São Paulo before continuing to Mogi das Cruzes and Campinas.
Additional scheduled performances include Mandinga Fest in São Paulo on December 12 and a concert in Santo André on December 13.
The Brazilian tour will introduce the band’s debut material to international audiences while expanding its connections within South America’s independent punk music community.
Slovenly Recordings Expands South Africa-Brazil Music Connections
The upcoming performances also mark Slovenly Recordings’ return to Brazil after approximately a decade.
The label is developing new connections between South African and Brazilian independent artists, with Johannesburg band Twenty One Children expected to tour Brazil in May 2027.
International touring can present significant financial and administrative challenges for South African musicians, particularly because of visa requirements and travel expenses.
The Brazilian concerts therefore provide NECKLACE with an opportunity to reach new audiences and establish international performance experience.
With Manual Breather now available through Slovenly Recordings, NECKLACE is entering a new phase of its development, combining its Johannesburg underground roots with international distribution and touring opportunities.
The six-track album is available through the label’s digital platforms, while the band’s upcoming Brazilian performances are expected to support its growing presence in the global independent garage punk scene.
