Cornelius

Cornelius is the project of Japanese musician Keigo Oyamada, who started it in Tokyo in 1991. Their second album '69/99' from 1996 brought wider attention, particularly with the track 'Drop' which became something of an international calling card. The music often layers ambient textures with elements of techno and rock, creating a detailed, shifting sound that avoids straightforward genre placement.

Oyamada works with a changing group of collaborators, and the project's output has been sporadic but consistent. Albums like 'Point' from 2001 and 'Mellow Waves' from 2017 show a continued interest in intricate production and melodic invention. Songs such as 'Point Of View Point' and 'Bird Watching At Inner Forest' reflect this approach, building immersive environments from carefully arranged sounds.

The music doesn't follow a conventional pop path, instead favoring atmosphere and texture. It's the kind of work that rewards close listening, built from Oyamada's particular blend of influences and his ear for detail.