Cornelius

Cornelius, a left-field stadium-filling sensation back home in Japan, takes his name from the hero of Planet of the Apes. Musically he's a head-on clash between Brian Wilson and Todd Rundgren at their creative bursting points, with a lot more riffing, experimental pop weirdness and sampling thrown in. It's an addictive and accessible formula - one minute of "Mic Check", his Fantasma album opener that whisks from chimp noises to the grooviest post-Beastie beats and grooves, is enough to get most people hooked. Live shows are known for their stunts and lighting, so be prepared to expect anything from brilliance upwards.

LA2, London W1 (0171-434 0403) 9 Sept

Tim Perry