Album from Japanese electro artist.
Although no doubt many would disagree, I'm not sure if being described as "the Japanese Beck" is a particularly good thing. I've always felt I missed the boat as far as Beck goes and am completely oblivious to what all the fuss is about. Thankfully Cornelius, the brainchild/alias of Keigo Oyamada hasn't been thrust into my face as often as Beck has so he is already more tolerable.
'Sensuous' begins with the ambient sound of the title-track, a ponderous, rather navel gazing effort and one that is entirely instrumental. Not the swiftest start to an album with such a vibrant cover, which led me to expect a high voltage electro-disco hybrid. 'Fit Song' is a slightly more inspirational effort, with the jerking of guitars mixed with electronics, and, I'm rather thankful to note, vocals. The harmonious, near soul fused vocals add a hugely chilled out tone to the song, and although a fairly pleasant listen makes me fear this album is edging towards a firmly background music only policy. The track 'Breezin' has been named appropriately as that is exactly what this collection of songs does, it coasts along when really it should be startling you into paying attention.
'Gum' hits the spot much more directly, as a rather frenzied burst of electro that suits the heavily manipulated vocals. Things fall into place properly on this track and it is exactly what I had been hoping for from the album. 'Scum' is similarly hyperactive but its burst is more brief and less satisfying. The Kings of Convenience collaboration on 'Omstart' is a blissful experience with their trademark gently stirring atmospherics in attendance.
'Like a Rolling Stone' is not actually a cover of the classic Bob Dylan track but is instead an experimental breeze beginning with sounds akin to tapping the top of a row of empty milk bottles. Although I'm not a huge fan of cover versions undoubtedly I would have preferred to hear the Cornelius take on Bob Dylan than a rather meandering piece of ambience. 'Music' meanwhile is a better song all round with a sunny groove and laidback vocals making it a great choice to include on summer themed mix CDs.
The finale of 'Sensuous' is a cover of Dean Martin's 'Sleep Warm', a rather surprising choice of song and a rather strange decision to end an album with a song from someone else's pen. The song is perfect for relaxing late at night as its hushed atmospherics can ease you towards sleep as it twinkles along. 'Sleep Warm' provides a good ending to an album that has its moments but sadly fails to break through the barrier of greatness.