Cuban Band's Grunge-Shoegaze Fusion Defies Odds

Land Whales, a band from Cuba, has released their second album, 'How to Make a Breakfast.' This work is a compelling fusion of grunge, post-hardcore, and shoegaze, demonstrating a profound homage to musical influences without imitation. The band's formation and recording process in Havana, a city impacted by authoritarian rule and U.S. sanctions, highlight their extraordinary determination.

Creating music in Cuba presents immense obstacles, including power outages and limited internet access, which affects the circulation of artistic expression. Land Whales' music, like much of Cuba's digital content, was distributed through 'el paquete semanal,' a weekly media package, or Telegram groups. This contrasts sharply with the effortless access to influences and gear many international artists enjoy.

The album 'How to Make a Breakfast' is notably rawer and noisier than their earlier, more polished work. Tracks like 'The Trial' showcase their intense sound, featuring distorted guitars and powerful drumming, with lyrics conveying a sense of confinement and urgency.