How to Make a Breakfast

Published: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4:01 am

Land Whales: A Sonic Youth-Inspired Band Emerges from Cuba's Shadows

Land Whales, a band formed in Cuba, has released their second album, "How to Make a Breakfast," showcasing a unique blend of musical influences despite the challenging environment in which they were created. The band, initially known as Hey Joni, adopted the name Land Whales to distance themselves from direct homages, opting for a more abstract identity.

The band's sound is a fusion of grunge, post-hardcore, and shoegaze, drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Dinosaur Jr. The album evokes a sense of déjà vu, with familiar elements of these genres woven into their music. However, the context of their creation is far from ordinary.

Formed in Cuba, a country facing significant economic and technological limitations, Land Whales faced considerable obstacles in accessing musical influences and equipment. The band's members, now based in the Netherlands, have described the difficulty of even knowing about genres like post-punk due to limited access to international music.

Their early work, dating back to 2022, presented a smoother, more polished sound. "How to Make a Breakfast" marks a shift towards a rawer, noisier, and more intense style. The album opens with distorted guitars and powerful drumming, accompanied by lyrics that express feelings of entrapment and a desire for escape. The album's tracks, such as "The Trial," offer a more intense and emotionally charged experience.

Land Whales' music, while not overtly political, conveys a sense of urgency and frustration through the force of their playing. Their music is available on YouTube.

BNN's Perspective:

Land Whales' story is a testament to the power of artistic expression in the face of adversity. Their music, born from a unique cultural context, offers a compelling blend of familiar and innovative sounds. While the band's experience highlights the challenges faced by artists in restricted environments, their music also serves as a reminder of the universal human need for creative outlets.

Keywords: Land Whales, How to Make a Breakfast, Cuban music, grunge, post-hardcore, shoegaze, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., music, album, Cuba, post-punk, music scene, band, new music

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