Cornelius, Point (Matador) 9+
It's been over four years since Japan's Keigo Oyamada released his international debut album under the nom de plume, Cornelius. Given that time, his metamorphosis from shambolic indie-pastiche that recalled early Beck on Fantasma to a sleek electro-acoustic avant-pop shaman is unsurprising. On Point, Cornelius has trimmed down his kitchen-sink approach, showing more confidence in his composition abilities with a sparer sound and smoother transitions. This time around you can hear how he's done his homework, listening to Jim O'Rourke, Stereolab, the po-mo sambas of Arto Lindsay, and electronica artists like Autechre and Oval. "Point of View Point" sounds like a mix of Jim O'Rourke's chopped-up quasi-folk acoustic guitar and Stereolab ooh-ahs. "Smoke" is a catchy, syncopated tune in which Cornelius sounds somewhat like Billy Corgan. That is, until the poppy chorus is spiked by a Sonic Youth-style feedback solo. "Drop" is even more alluring, the sound of dripping water used as the rhythm track, with more acoustic guitars, layered vocal choruses and subtle sampling. "Another View Point" is unabashed synthed-up new wave instrumental laid out on the spine of a funky bassline. "Bird Watching at Inner Forest" sounds like a party of elves and faeries doing the cha-cha in the woods, while "I Hate Hate" is quick study of the Fantomas/John Zorn school of metal shredding. The uplifting "Fly" reaffirms us that Cornelius has indeed progressed leaps in bounds as a real songwriter. "Nowhere" is almost too much, with the sound of crashing waves, strings and almost cartoonishly mellow bossa nova rhythm. Yet as a whole piece it once again skirts nimbly around cliché and leaves you happy though not completely satiated, like hors d' vours and fizzy alcoholic drinks. While overall the album could be disguised as a pseudo-ambient electronica album, it is much more. Many of the tracks upon closer listen slyly reveal themselves as real songs, despite the difficulty in discerning any of the lyrics that are being sung. Point suggests that the multi-talented fashion designer, video and conceptual artist should focus his time and talent on his biggest strength and serve up the full belly-bursting masterpiece of a meal he's capable of.
