TRESPASS

This is Genesis' first masterpiece: granted, they have yet to discover their two virtuosos, but each band members' playing on this is more than competent. In particular, I feel Tony Banks and Anthony Phillips certainly distinguish themselves on this album, with some great keywork and the latter's 12-string guitar.

It starts with "Looking For Someone" which is atmospheric and almost desperate. It is a good track with some nice ethereal organ, but it is partly brought down in quality by PG's vocals...Indeed, he is a good singer (able to bring some genuine emotion to the stories he tells), but to my ears he sounds strained at times.

The next track, "White Mountain", is probably one of the most underrated and yet one of my favourite Genesis tracks. The lyrics tell a story akin to Jack London's "White Fang", and it has some fantastic keyboard and acoustic guitar work throughout. PG even plays flute! The desperation in PG's vocals comes to the forefront in this track, and help add to the atmosphere - great! (In case you're wondering where the title for the LP, "Trespass" comes from, I think it came from "White Mountain", as there is the line 'outcast and trespass where no wolf may tread").

Side 1 finishes with the gentle but lovely "Visions of Angels" - a title that suits the nature of the song. It is fairly quiet and almost ballad-ish throughout, and TB's keyboards come to the fore. Not only does he use the obligatory organ, but there is plenty of piano throughout as well.

Next, we have "Stagnation", which is one of Genesis' great underrated masterpieces. The themes evolve, the tempo varies at times and if the track belongs to anyone in particular, it's Anthony Phillips - his guitar work provides the foundation for the rest of the band. In parts however, much like other early Genesis recordings, it is let down by poor production.

The next track, "Dusk", is a delicate and comparatively short ballad which foreshadows later Genesis works such as "Harlequin" from their next album... It works as a pleasant interlude between two of Genesis' greatest early songs, and has a nice mellow atmosphere characterised by gentle guitar strings and some keyboard work which does not intrude or dominate.

The album concludes with a fan favourite "The Knife" - the track is quintessential early Genesis, and yet so unlike any of their other work! It has a fast tempo, and it shows off TB's keyboards, AP's electric guitar and once again PG's desperate vocals. Certainly, quite a flash way to end an underrated and fantastic early album.

So, the album is definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of early Genesis, but also if you like to collect early prog masterpieces. It's severely underrated, and indeed, the band has come quite a long way from their pop debut! Next stop, NURSERY CRYME...