TRESPASS

Not many musicians can jump in quality over two albums like Genesis did. "Trespass" is miles ahead of their debut. You can see their potential so well and the works of art that were dying to come out. Their ideas would be developed greater on later albums but this is far from mediocre. To use any word below "great" to describe this album would be unfair. It should be in most prog collections, especially those of Genesis fans.

Most people know that this is before Phil and Steve. Well, as much as I love Steve, he isn't really missed on the album. Anthony Phillips is quite excellent. You probably wouldn't be able to tell it's not Hackett, unless you are very used to him and have an excellent ear. John Mayhew does a good job. Phil is better, of course, but there aren't a lot of people that are better than Phil. My only major complaint of the drumming here is the roll at the end of "The Knife". The bass drum and cymbals are behind Tony's organ, which is in time. It is only for about a measure, but it drives me crazy.

There is not a musically weak track here. The guitar and flute throughout the album are very good. Peter really shows his ability. It is more prevalent here than on "Selling England" and, especially, "The Lamb". "The Knife" is their most popular one here. It is their most recognized song on the album, is the only one that would be used on later tours (unless you count the end of "Stagnation" which was put in the live version of "I Know What I Like"), and was the reason they got their (new) record deal. It most likely is the best on the album, but the other songs are nearly as good. "Trespass" is often overlooked but it shouldn't be. It is an awesome display of prog by five very young men. 4.5 stars.