Due to a sporadic recent output, outside of his native Japan Keigo Oyamada isn't quite the feted figure he was towards the end of the 1990s. As if in recognition of this, 'Sensuous' - the first long player from Cornelius since 2002's patchy 'Point' - finds him in minimalist form; gone are the days when he used to make wonderful My Bloody Valentine or Beach Boys pastiches.
The title track begins proceedings with a simple guitar melody and then leads to 'Fit Song'; some jittery percussion and a click-clack rhythm. Nevertheless, these songs, though simplistic in arrangement, are executed to maximum precision in a manner that is pure Cornelius. 'Wataridori' features steadily ascending notes set to an electro-funk melody, 'Beep It' and 'Breezin' toy with electro-pop whilst 'Like A Rolling Stone' is like 10cc's 'I'm Not In Love' played underwater. Only the hard-hitting 'Gum' really misses the mark. With a vocal-led couplet to conclude the album ('Sleep Warm' continues the theme explored on 'Point' by revamping an aged song for the 21st Century), it's a fun, clever record which sees Cornelius keeping things stark and simple but without compromising any of his maverick talents.