Bhopal's Flowers - Joy Of The 4th

​Bhopal's Flowers

Joy Of The 4th
self-released; 2022

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Bhopal’s Flower is a band led by Lionel Pezzano. They have released a few records with Diamond Queen and Alstroemeria starting their journey. Their latest is entitled Joy Of The 4th.

Joy Of The 4th is a ten-song album that heavily leans on psychedelia. To my ears their sound is somewhere between The Beatles (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band era), Ravi Shankar and Tame Impala. 

The album begins with the title track “Joy Of The 4th” which begins with a shimmering sitar. I loved the groove that appears which is much more Western sounding. The convergence of genres was unique and I was completely on board. This song in particular reminded me of early Primal Scream. The vocals are laced in reverb and are also quite catchy. Overall, I found the opener very intriguing and I was ready to explore more. 

“Summertime” is next and this one felt out of the late ’60s in the spirit of a band like The Byrds. It’s a very open and joyous sounding song. The skies feel clear as if you are riding a wave of psychedelic energy headed towards the sun. The mix of Western and Eastern instruments was a winning combination.

We continue our trip into psychedelic areas with “Byrd Of The Tree.” It was one of my favorites on the album. The omnipresent feeling combined with the catchy vocal melodies had me from the beginning.

“Cool Symphony” was a nice change of pace. It’s a little more subdued with guitar being a main focus. The vocals are again very well delivered and quite catchy. I think the influence from The Beatles was most apparent on this song.

“Walking On Rainbow” is another great song. It’s sort of a mid energy song with some positive and happy vibes that make you feel as if everything is going to be ok in the end. Pezzano sings “Hold my hand / Tiny little man / Raise your head / As much as you can / Feel the air, / Freedom is your land / Fruits & bears  / Are living in your land.”

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say “Babyphone” is a blast. It’s dynamic and somewhere between The Flaming Lips and Of Montreal. What’s also very cool is that Pezzano sings in both English and French. The album continues with the lush and tranquil “Sunflower Castle.” Pink Floyd didn’t come to mind till I heard the epic “Running Wild With Us.” We get more of a carefree tune with “Pick Up A Walnut.” Last up is “Alright” which is an epic closer. It’s a slow burn of a song that blossoms as it progresses. It felt like a proper way to close the album.

​I can’t say there was a single song I didn’t like. The songs work individually but this album is one that begs for you to listen sequentially. This was an exceptional album. Highly recommended.

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