Peter Cat Recording Co. Albums: Portrait of a Time, Bismillah, Beta

Peter Cat Recording Co. sound like no other band from India. The Delhi group, led by singer and songwriter Suryakant Sawhney, mix old crooner jazz, gypsy waltzes, psychedelic pop and Hindi film nostalgia into songs that feel like they are playing from a dusty radio in another decade. They were one of the first Indian indie bands to build a real following abroad. This guide goes through every Peter Cat Recording Co. album on Apple Music India, from the early-years collection Portrait of a Time to Beta in 2024.

How we checked. Dates and track counts come from Apple Music India (iTunes catalogue, country IN), checked on 28 October 2026. Apple lists the band as "Peter Cat Recording Co.", and the band is often shortened to PCRC. Only released music is covered. Some of the band's earliest self-released records are not on Apple Music India as separate albums; the 2018 collection is the way to hear that era there.

Quick answer: Peter Cat Recording Co. albums on Apple Music India

• Portrait of a Time: 2010–2016 – 9 tracks (30 March 2018).
• Bismillah – 10 tracks (7 June 2019).
• Beta – 13 tracks (9 August 2024).

The albums, in order

Portrait of a Time: 2010–2016 (30 March 2018, 9 tracks). As the title says, a portrait of the band's first six years, released through the label Panache. Nine songs: "Hail Piano", "I'm Home", "Portrait of a Time", "Copulations", "Bebe de Vyah", "Flies", "Clown on the 22nd Dance Floor", "Happiness" and "Love Demons". It is the best place to hear the early PCRC: slightly chaotic, very romantic and full of strange little details. "Bebe de Vyah" is a fan favourite, and "Love Demons" closes the collection in style. Start with: "Portrait of a Time".

Bismillah (7 June 2019, 10 tracks). The record that made the wider world notice. Also released through Panache, Bismillah is a confident, beautifully produced album that moves from the swaying "Where the Money Flows" and "Floated By" to "Soulless Friends", "Vishnu", "Memory Box", "Freezing", "Heera", "I'm This", "Remain in Me" and the closer "Shit I'm Dreaming". The arrangements are richer than on the early songs, with horns, keys and vintage drum sounds, but Sawhney's voice is still the centre. If you only play one PCRC album, play this. Start with: "Where the Money Flows", then "Heera".

Beta (9 August 2024, 13 tracks). Five years later, the band returned with its longest record, released under Peter Cat Publishing. It was led by the single "People Never Change" (16 May 2024, 2 tracks on Apple). The album runs "Flowers R. Blooming", "People Never Change", "Suddenly", "Foolmuse", "21C", "Black and White", "Something About You", "Seed", "I Deny Me", "Control Room", "Just Another Love Song", "Connexion" and "A Beautiful Life". Beta is warmer and looser than Bismillah, with more room for long, dreamy songs, and it ends on a gentle note. Start with: "People Never Change".

What makes the PCRC sound

• The voice. Sawhney sings like an old-time crooner, with a deep, slightly worn tone that suits slow, sad songs.
• The past. The band borrow from jazz-age ballrooms, 1960s pop and old Hindi film music, but never just copy it.
• The space. Their songs leave a lot of room, so a single trumpet or keyboard line can carry a whole verse.
• The mood. Most songs are about love, loss and memory, delivered with a wink rather than a tear.

How the band changed

On Portrait of a Time you hear a young Delhi band experimenting in small rooms. Bismillah is the step up: tight songs, a clear sound and a record that travelled far beyond India. Beta is the band at ease, stretching out and taking its time.

Where to start

• First listen: Bismillah.
• For the early, rougher years: Portrait of a Time: 2010–2016.
• For the newer, calmer PCRC: Beta.
• For three songs that cover it all: "Bebe de Vyah", "Where the Money Flows", "People Never Change".

If you like Peter Cat Recording Co.

PCRC sit between psychedelic pop, jazz and indie rock. Try our guides to Indian psychedelic rock bands, Indian alternative rock bands, Indian indie bands and the Delhi indie scene. For more album-by-album guides, see The Local Train albums and Indian Ocean albums. The essential Indian independent albums list is a good wider map. Visit the Peter Cat Recording Co. artist page.

FAQ

How many albums does Peter Cat Recording Co. have on Apple Music India? Three: Portrait of a Time: 2010–2016 (2018), Bismillah (2019) and Beta (2024).

What is the latest Peter Cat Recording Co. album? Beta (9 August 2024, 13 tracks).

Which album has "People Never Change"? Beta. It was first released as a single on 16 May 2024.

Where is Peter Cat Recording Co. from? Delhi. The band is led by Suryakant Sawhney.

Is there a new PCRC album after Beta? Not on Apple Music India as of 28 October 2026.