TRESPASS

This particular Genesis album has never really overwhelmed me. But I sure can see why it is highly praised. It has a unique atmosphere in Genesis' catalogue, pastoral yet dark, gentle yet vigorous. Given my recent breakthrough into more romantic styles, I can see this album growing on me in the next couple of years, even though I've known it for 25 years now.

The big plus points in favour of this album are the extensive use of flutes, organ and mellotron, giving this album its specific sound. I am not familiar with Anthony Philip's solo album, but his acoustic guitar picking throughout the album (eg on White Mountain) make me realize it's urgent time I give it a try. Generally, except for The Knife where he is very prominent, his presence is much more modest then Hackett's overwhelming guitars on later albums.

The compositions on the album are very strong and ambitious. This is an album from 1970, apart from King Crimson and VDGG, two obvious points of inspiration for this album, there wasn't much to copy. The result is an original sound inbetween King Crimson's pastoral moments (Talk To The Wind, Epitaph) and Van Der Graaf's forceful organ, drum & bass sound.

The only track that legs a bit behind the others would be Stagnation. The first half is excellent, but the heavier themes that take over afterwards sound less inspired. Dusk and The Knife are both stunning, in entirely different ways. They are poles apart, just like Talk To The Wind and Schizoid Man were on In the Court of the Crimson King

Not my favourite but anything less then 3 stars seems inappropriate for this symphonic prog landmark.