Track Listing

1. Looking For Someone
2. White Mountain
3. Visions Of Angels
4. Stagnation
5. Dusk
6. Knife

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44603 in Music
• Released on: 1994-08-15
• Number of discs: 1

CD Description
TRESPASS is more pastoral and low-key than the Genesis albums that followed it. The interplay between guitarist AnthonyPhillips and bassist Mike Rutherford finds the group at itsfolkiest and most subdued. Tony Banks hadn't yet turned to the synthesizer. Peter Gabriel had not yet reached the heights of poetic socio-political broadside that would mark such albums as FOXTROT. The anomaly here is "The Knife", a gloriously bombastic track full of classical motifs, thundering riffs and rhythms, and a strong anti-war message. It would become one of the most-loved early Genesis tunes.
Drummer John Mayhew might be the Pete Best of prog-rock, as he was Genesis's original drummer, ultimately replaced by future bandleader Phil Collins. On this, Mayhew's final recording with Genesis, he shows taste and restraint, laying out for long sections while the sonic tapestries of the guitars and keyboards unfold. Though not an essential pick in the Genesis catalogue, TRESPASS is a satisfying snapshot of this important band's formative development.

Customer Reviews

Dusk
Out of the early days of "Genesis", this is the album that has grown on me. I have always liked this album but have found it an effort to warrant it a listen. That is until now. I only recently listened to it again and found it an exceptional album. It may not be in the league of the albums that were to follow this but it is undoubtedly a classic, and the fact that this album was done by a group who had not even reached the age of 20 is staggering!

The album is a relaxing effort, with melodic pastoral moods, with only occasional loud outbursts. The album starts off with "Looking for someone". A song that makes you sit upright and realise that this album is indeed worth listing to, and reaches a wonderful peak with the denouement which is "The Knife". Certainly what one could call a poetic album: the changes of mood are subtle and this is certainly an album that rewards with repeated listening. Simply bathe in the wonderful images that this album conjures up with its soothing vocals, main and backing alike, expressive and detailed lyrics and subtle overtones of music.

An undiscovered gem
I only recently heard this album. Like many Genesis fans, I worked my way backwards and discovered Trespass last. It has really grown on me as the undiscovered gem of Genesis. Trespass has the same feel as Selling England by the Pound, but with a more innocent feel. It also reminds me of King Crimson. I like all tracks, but the first, Looking for Someone, is my favourite.

A little known classic
When I was a 'pretend hippy' back in 1970 (pretend because I was only 15 and neither my parents nor my school would let me have my hair the length I wanted it!!) it was this album that started a life long love of the music of Genesis. It may be very different to the music which dominated their later years but anyone who likes Genesis should give this a listen with a very open mind. There are some truly beautiful and original songs on this album. The general feel is very melodic with only occasional bursts of power, particularly in the only track that is ever mentioned from this era - 'The Knife'. My personal favourite has always been 'Stagnation' which develops superbly over six or seven minutes and has a beautiful keyboard solo from Tony Banks which is years ahead of its time. There are some excellent story lines in the songs, particularly 'White Mountain' and the opener 'Looking for Someone'. Go on - give it a try