JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Johannesburg-based garage punk band NECKLACE has released its debut six-track album, Manual Breather, through Slovenly Recordings on November 13, 2026, marking a significant step for the emerging South African group as it prepares to expand its international presence with a Brazilian tour in December.
Combining garage rock, proto-punk, post-punk and noise rock, the album reflects Johannesburg’s independent music culture while drawing inspiration from influential acts including Suicide, The Stooges and The Velvet Underground.
Produced by Lucas Cowling at Substation Studios, Manual Breather introduces international audiences to a four-piece band whose sound emphasizes repetition, distorted guitars and unconventional arrangements.
NECKLACE Brings Johannesburg’s Underground Punk Sound to International Audiences
NECKLACE consists of Dino Mastropaolo, Alberto Vasconcelos, Kate Gannaway and Dean Hibbert. Rather than maintaining traditional instrumental roles, the musicians exchange guitar, bass, drum and vocal responsibilities throughout the recording.
This collaborative approach contributes to the album’s unpredictable character, combining minimalist arrangements with abrasive guitar textures, driving rhythms and contrasting vocal performances.
The six tracks featured on Manual Breather are “Stab,” “Angel Says,” “Idol,” “Manual Breather,” “Trance” and “We Buy Cars.”
Among the album’s highlighted recordings are “Stab,” “Angel Says” and the title track, which demonstrate the group’s combination of raw energy and repetitive musical structures.
While the band acknowledges influences from established American punk and experimental rock acts, its musical identity is closely connected to Johannesburg’s contemporary independent arts community.
Independent Music Culture Shapes the Band’s Identity
Johannesburg has developed a network of grassroots music venues and creative spaces where punk performances intersect with skateboarding, graffiti, independent publications and visual arts.
Neighbourhoods including Soweto, Braamfontein and Melville have become important gathering points for artists working outside conventional commercial music structures.
NECKLACE operates within this environment, participating in performances and collaborative events alongside other emerging South African groups.
Events such as Concrete Culture in Braamfontein have brought together live music, skateboarding, art exhibitions, zines and locally produced skate films, illustrating the connections between the city’s independent creative communities.
Slovenly Recordings Partnership Began at Soweto Benefit Concert
The band’s relationship with Slovenly Recordings began in August 2025 when representatives of the independent label attended a performance at Thula’s Purple House in Soweto.
NECKLACE performed alongside Twenty One Children and Club Valley during a fundraising event supporting Hope for the Hopeless Children’s Home.
The performance attracted the label’s attention, prompting Slovenly to request recordings from the band.
Those recordings subsequently developed into Manual Breather, establishing the group’s first album partnership with the international independent record label.
The release also provides another opportunity for South African underground musicians to reach audiences beyond their domestic market through established international distribution and touring networks.
Brazil Tour Scheduled for December 2026
Following the album’s release, NECKLACE is scheduled to undertake 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.
Tour Strengthens South Africa–Brazil Music Connections
The Brazilian performances will mark Slovenly Recordings’ return to the country after approximately a decade and represent the beginning of a broader touring relationship connecting South African independent musicians with Brazilian audiences.
Fellow Johannesburg band Twenty One Children is expected to follow with performances in Brazil in May 2027.
For independent South African musicians, international touring can involve substantial financial and administrative challenges, particularly visa requirements and transportation expenses.
Brazil offers an alternative touring destination that could support further cultural exchanges between the two countries’ independent music communities.
Debut Album Marks New Chapter for NECKLACE
With Manual Breather, NECKLACE enters the international garage punk market while maintaining its connection to Johannesburg’s grassroots music scene.
The album is available through Slovenly Recordings, with streaming access and physical ordering options offered through the label’s distribution channels.
The band has also released a music video for “Idol,” providing listeners with another introduction to its sound.
As NECKLACE prepares for its first announced Brazilian performances, the debut release positions the group for wider recognition within the international punk and independent rock communities.
For Slovenly Recordings, the partnership further extends its involvement with emerging underground artists, while offering NECKLACE an opportunity to introduce Johannesburg’s contemporary garage punk sound to new audiences.
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