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Cornelius, "Point"
Keigo Oyamada, the boy genius better known as Cornelius, has finallyreturned from a three-year hiatus which followed the release of hiscritically acclaimed 'Fantasma'.
His newest offering, a meticulouslystylized ensemble of songs that run the gamut from pretty minimalism(in songs like "Tone Twilight Zone") to unabashed metal silliness (thetongue-in-cheek "I Hate Hate"), is as full of the sophistication andsense of humor as his previous efforts. Cornelius has fortunatelymanaged to maintain his ability for infusing experimental sensibilitiesinto catchy pop tunes, and 'Point' attests to the focus into which hehas brought it. The seamless production throughout the album is at itsstrongest on "Drop". "Another View Point" is a funky, psychedelic discotrack, "Bird Watching At Inner Forest" puts a Latin rhythmic twist onintrospective Japanese lyrics and the cover of "Brazil" with itsrobotic vocals is simply enchanting. His skillful use of acousticguitar in combination with electronics on many of the tracks isrefreshing. 'Point' finishes off with "Nowhere", which conjures imagesof relaxing on the deck a dreamy 1950s cruise ship, sipping mai taiswith paper umbrellas and drifting off into the sunset. Just before itall comes to an end, Cornelius announces, "Point. Stop the music," inwhat serves as a perfect example of the control he sustains over everysecond of the album. Every note seems perfectly calculated and nothingis allowed to run amok, despite the multiplicity of directions in whichthe listener is directed. Oyamada is clearly an audiophile who is morethan happy to share with his listeners the vast array of musical genresfrom which he takes his influence. Perhaps that's the point. -
His newest offering, a meticulouslystylized ensemble of songs that run the gamut from pretty minimalism(in songs like "Tone Twilight Zone") to unabashed metal silliness (thetongue-in-cheek "I Hate Hate"), is as full of the sophistication andsense of humor as his previous efforts. Cornelius has fortunatelymanaged to maintain his ability for infusing experimental sensibilitiesinto catchy pop tunes, and 'Point' attests to the focus into which hehas brought it. The seamless production throughout the album is at itsstrongest on "Drop". "Another View Point" is a funky, psychedelic discotrack, "Bird Watching At Inner Forest" puts a Latin rhythmic twist onintrospective Japanese lyrics and the cover of "Brazil" with itsrobotic vocals is simply enchanting. His skillful use of acousticguitar in combination with electronics on many of the tracks isrefreshing. 'Point' finishes off with "Nowhere", which conjures imagesof relaxing on the deck a dreamy 1950s cruise ship, sipping mai taiswith paper umbrellas and drifting off into the sunset. Just before itall comes to an end, Cornelius announces, "Point. Stop the music," inwhat serves as a perfect example of the control he sustains over everysecond of the album. Every note seems perfectly calculated and nothingis allowed to run amok, despite the multiplicity of directions in whichthe listener is directed. Oyamada is clearly an audiophile who is morethan happy to share with his listeners the vast array of musical genresfrom which he takes his influence. Perhaps that's the point. - samples:
