Product 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.

Track Listing

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44489 in Music
• Released on: 1994-08-15
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Genesis hit their stride!
Just their second album, and way back in 1970 without Hackett and Collins, this album is just staggering. The production I think is wonderful, subtle echo on the drums, acoustic and electric guitars bubble from background to foreground, if you like me, overlooked this album thinking it would be rough and unpolished. You're in for a pleasant surprise. The whole album is just a joy, well constructed, and mature beyond their years. There is nothing embryonic about this music. It's the finished article.

Good songwriting
As with the debut 'From Genesis To Revelation' this album contains some wonderful songwriting and playing, particularly from Tony Banks. Some really fine singing from a young Peter Gabriel also, who sounds mature beyond his years.

But this album is marred by a very stodgy production, with awful sounding drums in particular. This is not helped by the fact that John Mayhew, the drummer for this album (he was sacked and replaced with Phil Collins afterwards) is severely lacking in natural talent and his drumming completely lacks any inspiration.
Mike Rutherford appears to be still developing as a melodic bassist, although there are some fine moments.
Again, as with the first album, the band displays it's then unfortunate lack of backing vocal ability (Collins was to change all this).

Fans of Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England, etc should certainly get this album, as it provides the link berween the embryonic 'Revelation' album and the classic period that immediately followed.

And as I said - there is still some fine writing and playing from the genius that is Tony Banks, and some lovely soulful singing from Gabriel, all of which can only be enhanced by the new remix due for release later this year.

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.