What started as an impulsive purchase of two tickets to see Peter Cat Recording Co’s “Good Luck Beta” tour quickly became one of my favourite live music experiences. Having encountered the uncategorizable sound of this New Delhi-based band only a few months ago, I entered the venue with no expectations for their live musical presence.

The band’s entrance, marked by fog machines and alternating spotlights, quickly revealed the psychedelia underlining their music. What stood out to me most was the band’s synergy– five musicians surrounded by over ten instruments, effortlessly sharing solos and switching instruments. Throughout the night, their sound evolved from indie-rock to soul and jazz, then synth and disco, while consistently embedded with Bollywood elements.

The seamless transitions between trumpet, saxophone, drum, harmonium, and guitar solos– embedded with their released tracks– exemplified the band’s versatility. Accompanied by rhythmically composed overhead lighting, the lead singer floated through the lyrics, cigarette in hand. The lights would often switch to illuminate the crowd, who grooved along to the band’s sporadic sound, making the entire venue feel part of their collective.