Kyoto Protocol Album Launch @ Havana KL

It was a night of celebration for KL-based garage rock band Kyoto Protocol! In partnership with Monsoon Records, the band recently released their 5-track debut, much to the delight of their legion of loyal fans. The album features the catchy ‘Pussycat’, the anthemic ‘Gimme Nothing’ and many more tunes that set Kyoto Protocol apart from the others in the local music scene. The album title, which the band remained tightlipped about until the launch party, was revealed to be An Album. Okay then.

Their long-awaited album launch party was nothing short of exciting. With ‘Grunge Rockers vs Indie Hipsters’ as the theme, Havana was jam packed with excited fans, friends and families decked out in Chuck Taylors, flannel shirts, and horn-rimmed glasses in support of Fuad Alhabshi (vocalist/guitarist), Gael Oliveres (vocalist/keyboardist), Hairi Haneefa (guitarist), Shakeil Bashir (vocalist/bassist) as well as Shanjeev Reddy (Ask Me Again drummer/percussionist).

Kyoto Protocol performed not one, but two sets for the launch. The first set had the band dressed in casual jeans and tees covering songs that had influenced Kyoto’s sound throughout the years, which included Foo Fighters, TV On The Radio and many more.

After a quick break and wardrobe change, the band returned in their signature white shirts and black ties and delivered a stellar performance of their tunes with the crowd singing along to ‘Pussycat’ and ‘Gimme Nothing’.

The launch drew to a close by midnight and DJ Ribut 10:59 and Chaseylain of Twilight Action Girl took over and spun the night away. From performing at intimate settings like No Black Tie to opening for the psychedelic MGMT back in March, Kyoto Protocol is a band that is undoubtedly set for international stardom.

Kyoto Protocol brought the house down at Havana KL on Saturday 18 June 2011. Check out pics of the launch party at our gallery. For more updates on the band, visit www.kyotoprotocolband.com.