TRESPASS

For such a early attempt from this group, this is a very mature release - albeit if the arrangements and production aren't quite as intense and catchy as with later releases. Musically and when it comes to the compositions themselves, however, the musical genius that is Genesis is already present. And at often times this record has VERY strong melodic and thematic progressions that are incredibly catchy. When - for example - you get past the first few verses of the (a tad) forgettable beginning of the first track "Looking for Someone" you are treated with a very strong instrumental interlude, almost classical in nature.

This album portrays the members of the band as what they are at their best - very strong songwriters. In many interviews they have claimed that they did not intend to write very progressive and long songs - they simply all turned out to be that way. Sometimes it does feel as if they have just jammed and come up with something and went: "Ah hell, let's just throw it in too." However the music still flows very well from start to finish. I actually very much enjoy these rough arrangements, though they lack the intensity of what you hear in latter albums. This should be noted however, that this album is indeed much more pastoral, folky and less intense than what you might expect after hearing the following albums. (Though, naturally, Genesis isn't known for rocking very hard at all)

Lyrically Genesis would get more interesting in latter releases. However a fan will already discern quite a few tendencies that are also present in the classical lineup. Such as the story-oriented song "White Mountain" or the passionate lyrics of "Looking for Someone". "Stagnation" and "Dusk" however are lyrically the kind of meditative works that I don't remember hearing from later day Genesis. This can be said about the music generally too. It's a lot less quirky and humor does not play any part in it yet - elements that came to be elements of later Genesis. This work is very introspective and perhaps - to some - even overtly sensitive. A good one to listen to in quiet evenings near the fireplace.

My favorite track is probably "Stagnation" - the quietest and longest of all the songs. Very strong melodies and a very interesting synthesizer solo in the middle. The album closes with a prelude of what is to come - a harder rocking and symphonic "The knife"

I highly recommend this album to any fan of Genesis as it provides interesting musical background for the group. (Goes also to show how much they were influenced by their first (and brilliant) guitarist/composer Anthony Phillips for example) And of course many, many musical pleasures. And in addition I recommend this to any fan of strong songwriting, strong thematic progressions and melodic music. An overlooked gem in the bands history.