TRESPASS

For some people Genesis real history only starts when Hackett and Collins join the band, in other words with "Nursery Cryme", nothing more unfair, there are many reasons why Trespass should be considered Genesis first turning point and an underrated gem.

The evolution that begins with the simple "From Genesis to the Revelation" and ends with the complex "Trespass" is incredible. I believe no other band has made such a radical change in less time, almost as if the Bee Gees had changed into a progressive band after Saturday Night Fever.

Steve Hackett wasn't yet a Genesis member but Anthony Phillips style is so similar that any person who doesn't knows the band's history will never guess there's another guitar player in "Nursery Cryme". I'm sure that if Anthony wouldn't have that stage panic, Hackett never would have been a Genesis member, something very sad of course.

With Mayhew the situation is different, all the band thought that Genesis was getting too big for him, and Collins abilities as drummer are undeniable, but still I believe John did an excellent job in Trespass.

The album's sound is very dark and aggressive, also has that atmospheric sound that will become Genesis trademark and to be honest, one of the main reasons why I'm an early Genesis fan.

Gabriel's vocalist abilities weren't totally developed at this point, but his voice was extremely clear and showed big energy, Banks is outstanding and Mike Rutherford is precise as always.

"The Knife" is of course the best known song from this album and the strongest for most of the fans, but I stay with the haunting and beautiful "White Mountain" an almost forgotten song usually bashed by some critics who don't consider the beautiful keyboards, extreme changes and the dark ending which makes of this song one of my favorites.

A great album that deserves much more credit than it usually receives,I would not be fair if I gave less than 5 stars because Trespass is absolutely transcendental for GENESIS and Prog history, it marks the moment when one of the most important Symphonic bands reached maturity despite the youth of the members.