Peter Cat Recording Co at The Echo: 05/22/23
The marquee at The Echo
Peter Cat Recording Co. is a rare gem of sound. Coming out of Delhi, India, the band fuses genres such as alternative and gypsy jazz, a unique combination executed beautifully by the band. My introduction to this band was about a year ago on my birthday, and my good friend Robbie put on their track “Floated By.” The song hypnotizes from the starting boom of the trumpets to the alternative/gypsy sound that is heard throughout the song, which makes you feel tranquil. I was hooked the next day I streamed their most recent album, “Bismillah.” Every track was one you would not skip; the melodies and the sounds coming from each of them were different and harmonic. The fusion of ballroom waltz, alternative, gypsy jazz, and even cabaret are unexpected but harmonious combinations. I knew I would be at their first show in LA when they would finally do an American tour. And sure enough, in January of 2023, they announced their American tour and dates. Originally, LA was going to be one show, but they sold out so fast that they added not a second but a fifth show. The first two were at The Echoplex in Echo Park, and the remaining three at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery lodge.
Lead singer Suryakant Sawhney. Photo by Atikis Curiel
The Echoplex was the perfect venue for their show—compact and excellent acoustics for the sound that was to be made by the band. Upon my arrival, I arrived about 45 minutes early to ensure that I would get a good view of the band and be as close as possible to the stage since it was standing general admission tickets. The line was not too bad, and when the doors finally opened, the line soon dissipated. The lighting inside was dim and hazy. Only one sound was played on the speakers, a repeating track. It was peaceful, like something you play while meditating in a zen garden. There was talk all over, people excited to finally see the band live; some even stated they had waited three or more years for this moment. Talking to some of the other concertgoers, we shared our excitement to see the band perform, and then the lights dimmed, more smoke was released, and the band started coming out one by one. And the other concertgoers stood shoulder to shoulder for the rest of the show, dancing and singing.
Peter Cat Recording Co. Photo taken by Atikis Curiel
Their first song, “Bebe de Vyah,” was the repeating sound from the beginning, a smooth transition reoccurring throughout the night. The show was ecstatic; each song was performed beautifully, and the voice of lead singer Suryakant Sawhney was hypnotic, with some in the crowd comparing his deep yet mellow voice to that of Frank Sinatra. His voice shinned through in tracks “Floated by,” “We’re Getting Married,” and the fan favorite “Memory Box”. The crowd loved every second of it, and so did I, locking arms with people I had barely known for about two hours at the point of singing the lyrics of each song and dancing as if we were childhood friends. The pure ecstasy from the experience left everyone joyful, and this was only increased when the band went quiet for a good minute and then started the track “Memory Box,” undisputedly their most famous song. A mix of gypsy jazz, alternative, and even funky disco, a cocktail of genres that never collide put into a body-moving track. Closing the show with an encore, Peter Cat Recording Co. played a song that came as a surprise to most fans due to it not being on any streaming apps, “We’re Getting Married.” It is a beautiful love song from beginning to end, most likely an homage to his wife. It is a great track to end, sealing up the music-filled night of dancing and singing to a more mellow sound, leaving the crowd more than satisfied with the show.
Peter Cat Recording Co.
Peter Cat Recording Co. is a band that brings strangers together and forms momentary or long-lasting friendships. Suppose you have yet to listen to any of their music. I think you should do that; you won't be disappointed and engulfed in the incredible sound they produce.
Recommended Tracks:
Portrait of Timer
Heera
Shit I’m Dreaming
Happiness
Love Demons
Overall rating of the show: 10/10.