Cornelius (aka Keigo Oyamada) was one of the first contemporary Japanese musicians to receive attention with western Indie Rock audiences via his 1997 album Fantasma, which earned him comparisons to eclectic and disciplined multi-instrumentalists Brian Wilson and Beck. Oyama was the co-founder of influential Shibuya-Kei group Flipper’s Guitar, but quit to embark on a solo career in 1994. His moniker was derived from the main character from Planet of the Apes, a film that has resonated deeply in Japanese underground culture. (It is also a key reference point for streetwear brand A Bathing Ape and urban vinyl toys by the likes of Medicom.) His music is experimental and exploratory, walking a line between harmonic pleasures and dissonant musique concrete sampling. Point expands upon this formula by integrating sounds of and inspired by the natural world with his synth pads, acoustic guitar snippets, and impeccable drum programming. Even though it’s primarily made of samples, the music sounds fresh and lively, with a spontaneous energy creeping between the sequenced rhythms and textures. “Point of View Point” is hi-fi breakbeats, pitch-shifted held vocals, and stereo guitar twang. “Drop” begins with quirkly water sloshing sounds and strict chords, turning what is a pretty abstract sample into a bizarro funk banger. “Brazil” begins with an animal howl and insect chatter, in strict contrast to the robotic tremolo of the vocals. This record has been out of circulation in America for quite some time, and out of print on vinyl worldwide for even longer. This double LP reissue includes three remixes from the era of the album’s original release by Yann Tomita, Kings of Convenience, and Matthew Herbert. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve with printer insert, includes a zoetrope print that will look amazing spinning on your turntable. Recommended.

• double blue and white colored vinyl pressing
• first time in print in the US since 2002
• gatefold sleeve and printed inners
• includes zoetrope print for use on your turntable
• limited edition
• original release year: 2001
• music label: House Arrest 2019

reviewed by MOMUS 06/2019