TRESPASS

"Trespass" is regarded by many as Genesis first proper album, most fans choosing to regard their previous Jonathan King produced album as being by a different band.

Despite being spectacularly unsuccessful when it was released, "Trespass" has gone on to become a highly regarded album from the Gabriel era, standing up well alongside subsequent albums such as "Foxtrot" and "Selling England by the pound". It is often forgotten that Hackett and Collins had not joined the band when "Trespass" was recorded, yet tracks like "The knife" represent classic Genesis. "The knife" is a frantic, menacing song, which pounds along like an out of control express train. Peter Gabriel almost stumbles over himself as he delivers the biting lyrics in double quick time. Genesis does prog metal perhaps?!

The album has 6 tracks in total, 3 on each side of the LP. The opening track, "Looking for someone", is an off-speed song, far removed from anything on "From Genesis to Revelation". Apart from "The knife", for me the best are "White mountain" and "Visions of angels". "White mountain" is a soft, folk influenced tale of a rebel wolf who challenges the pack leader. It is wonderfully melodic, with sympathetic acoustic guitar, and choir like vocals to end. "Visions of angels" masks its acidic lyrics with another fine melody, over some excellent piano by Tony Banks. I am by no means an expert on the art of percussion, but on this track the drums dramatically add to the whole ambience of the track.

"Stagnation" is a deceptively soft, ambling track, which is probably the last to reveal its true appeal. I found it took many listens to this piece to appreciate the subtlety of the composition. "Dusk" which follows is a short, lighter track, which retains the quasi (anti?) religious lyrics of "Visions of angels".

A great album end to end, which failed to sell widely when first released, only because it was so far ahead of its time. Highly recommended.

Share this GENESIS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#18289)
• Buy GENESIS music online with PA partners
• Show all GENESIS MP3/Stream
• Go to GENESIS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Trespass page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for GENESIS related discussions