Mongrel Records is thrilled to announce the release of OLD WOUNDS, the highly anticipated second album from the grungy, punk powerhouse trio, The Man Motels. Known for their explosive sound and raw energy, the band continues to push boundaries with their latest offering—a release that promises to resonate deeply with their fans and cement their place in the underground music scene.

Since their reformation in 2018, The Man Motels—composed of Garrith, Lyle, and Pierre—have never been shy about testing their limits. With influences ranging from Violent Soho, Brand New and Drug Church, the band’s sound is a ferocious blend of grit and attitude. After years of success with their debut album, three EPs, and multiple singles, The Man Motels returned to the studio in April 2024 to craft OLD WOUNDS, a project they describe as their most authentic and powerful work yet.

"We’ve always aimed to keep pushing ourselves,” says frontman Garrith. “The drive to test our own limits and put out music that’s more real and powerful than anything we’ve done before is what inspired this album." The band’s relentless commitment to staying ahead of the curve has been key to their ongoing success. This has included writing constantly, surrounding themselves with like-minded artists, and staying true to their signature grunge/punk sound.

OLD WOUNDS dives deep into the complexities and pain of life, capturing the intense emotions that shape who we become. “It’s all about how the cruelty and complexities of life define you,” says Garrith. “There’s a painful loneliness that comes before you can understand and accept who you are. This album has hard, powerful energy, but it’s also filled with melody and emotion.”

The band’s approach to writing this album was both introspective and raw. “We dug deep, exploring darker times and painful experiences,” Garrith explains. “Writing can feel like closure—it’s mentally taxing but also enlightening.” OLD WOUNDS isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of the band’s musical growth and emotional depth.

The recording process was equally intense, a collaboration marked by ideas, suggestions, and even disagreements. “We fought it out until we found common ground that represents a piece of all of us,” He says. The album was tracked with Dean Bailey, mixed by Christophe Hogommat from France, and mastered by Tim Lengfeld, bringing together a team of top-tier professionals to deliver the final product.

The Man Motels are no strangers to the stage either, having supported major international acts like DUNERATS (AUS), SUNFLOWERS (PT), and BONGLOARD (NL). In addition, the band were shortlisted to perform at TRAMLINES (UK) in July 2024, with a European tour in the works for mid-2025.

With OLD WOUNDS, The Man Motels have firmly staked their claim as champions of South Africa’s underground music scene. This five-word description from the band says it all: "This is who we are."

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