CORNELIUS レコード& CD

Review: For his seventh studio release 'Dream in Dream', Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada) continues his genre-hopping streak, carving out new space for his sonic explorations. Best known for shaping Japan's alternative music scene and crafting intricate soundscapes, Oyamada's latest effort is a hazy, rhythmically adventurous blend that flirts with ambient jazz, r&b, and a dash of retro-futurist electronics. His knack for blending disparate elements into something cohesive remains intact. Opening the record, his signature use of angular guitars and tight synth layers dances around syncopated beats, pulling listeners into a dreamlike groove. But there's more at play than surface-level nostalgia or easy listening. While many might remember the cut-and-paste genius of 'Fantasma', or his remixes for artists like Blur and MGMT, here Oyamada seems more interested in texture and atmosphere than in outright hooks. Despite a nod to 70s synth influences, this isn't a direct callback to any specific era. 'Dream in Dream' unfolds like a wandering conversationiimprovised in parts, yet controlled in its overall direction. The songs balance bright, airy tones with moments of contemplation, capturing the warmth of the past while remaining firmly planted in today's soundscapes. A steady, thoughtful progression for Cornelius, offering something both familiar and unexpected.