CORNELIUS - Sensuous (CD)
From Nakamegura to the world, we are pleased to announce
the much anticipated return of Japan's genre hopping maverick Cornelius
(aka Keigo Oyamada). Cornelius is a one of a kind artist that has to
be seen as well as heard. Pulling influences from Kraftwerk to The Beach
Boys and My Bloody Valentine, Cornelius has been hailed as an innovator
in modern rock, both in his home country of Japan, and more recently
abroad. His previously released two albums, 'Fantasma' and 'Point' have
been released in 21 countries, and with a number of Japan only albums,
Cornelius is building a body of work for the ages. Keigo Oyamada created
the Cornelius persona in the mid nineties, paying homage to his favourite
character from 'Planet Of The Apes'. He emerged onto the world stage
with his cult classic 'Fantasma' released in 1997. The record was hailed
as visionary for its subtle influences, ranging from Beach Boys harmonies,
to My Bloody Valentine's heady guitars, and its cut-and-paste post modern
production style.
In 2002, Cornelius released 'Point', a more organic sounding
record with its classical guitar loops and sweet harmonies. 'Point'
was a year in the making, recorded solely in a small private studio
above the Cornelius office, and with its live show, it firmly established
Cornelius as more than just a standard recording artist. Now comes his
next instalment - the brand new album 'Sensuous', with which Cornelius
continues to push the envelope and expand on his previous works. 'Sensuous'
is a heartbreaking work of staggering genius. It's pure 360 degree music.
Beautiful and arresting, this album engages the listener in a sensuous
world of music as colours and higher plane meditations. While being
hailed as a genius and the future of rock and roll by many, Cornelius
is also just as interested in design, fashion, video, conceptual and
pop art, and live extravaganzas, which leads us to the live interpretation
of his musical works.
A Cornelius live show is a kaleidoscopic joyride that
overwhelms the senses. Nothing short of breathtaking, each song is played
in sync with projected visuals, a laser light show and complemented
by the band's immaculate musicianship. Regarded as one of the greatest
live performers of our time, Cornelius astonished Australian audiences
with his thrilling shows in 2003. He returns to Australia this month
to deliver his brand new stage show 'The Cornelius Sensuous Showcase'.
Playing songs from 'Sensuous', he will appear at the sold out Meredith
Music Festival, and at sideshows in both Sydney and Melbourne, and as
part of the Brisbane Gallery's Asian Pacific Tri-annual (APT5) exhibition,
where he will present a music and video program entitled 'Sensuous Things',
and an extraordinary live multimedia performance with four-piece band
at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) - something not to be missed!
In addition to writing, recording and developing the live
show for 'Sensuous', Cornelius' recent activities include collaborating
works and remixes for the likes of Beck, Blur, Kings of Convenience,
The Avalanches, Gerling, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Sting, Kd Lang and Pizzicato
5, as well as a host of local Japanese artists. All this while he provided
the music to the exhibition "Shhh…" held at the Victoria
& Albert Museum in London, and he showed his visual works at the
exhibition JAM held at Barbican Art Gallery also in London.
When art and music collide you will find Cornelius.
'Sensuous' is out now.
