'''Trespass''' is the second studio album by
Genesis and was recorded and released in 1970. The only album with drummer
John Mayhew and the last with guitarist
Anthony Phillips, ''Trespass'' had a folk-flavoured
progressive rock sound that was a marked departure from their earlier work, and foreshadowed the path the band would follow through the 1970s.
The compositions were generally much longer and complex than before, featuring several different musical sections. The sound evokes a kind of 'pastoral English idyll' espoused by numerous progressive rock bands of the time. To this end, much use is made of multi-tracked 12-string acoustic guitars, blended with folky vocal harmonies, flute, acoustic piano, and gentle keyboard pads on
Hammond organ and
mellotron. The drum playing is generally fairly soft, which actually complements the atmosphere, although the band were unhappy with
John Mayhew's skills and replaced him with
Phil Collins following ''Trespass' completion and
Anthony Phillips' departure.
Despite its generally muted, pastoral, folky feel, the album is not without dynamic moments.
Peter Gabriel's vocals are soulful and angst-ridden throughout, particularly at the climax of "Stagnation", which also includes a prominent Hammond organ solo from
Tony Banks. Closing track "The Knife" is aggressive and bombastic, featuring some biting lyrics from Gabriel, with
Mike Rutherford playing fuzz bass. The song, which received great praise by
The Nice's Keith Emerson, became a favourite closer to live shows and appeared - with lyrical changes - on Genesis' 1973 first live album ''
Genesis Live''.
Although ''Trespass'' was not a commercial success, it was a critical one and despite its lack of sales, it managed to reach a peak of #98 in the UK upon its 1984 re-release.
A
SACD / DVD double disc set (including new 5.1 and Stereo mixes) is planned for release in late 2007/early 2008.
Track listing
All songs by
Tony Banks,
Peter Gabriel,
Anthony Phillips and
Mike Rutherford, except where noted.
#"Looking for Someone" – 7:07 (Lyrics: Gabriel)
#"
White Mountain" – 6:43 (Lyrics: Banks)
#"Visions of Angels" (Phillips) – 6:51
#"Stagnation" (Gabriel/Phillips/Rutherford) – 8:49 (Lyrics: Gabriel)
#"Dusk" – 4:13
#"
The Knife" (Banks, Gabriel) – 9:00 (Lyrics: Gabriel)
Personnel
★
Peter Gabriel:
Vocals,
Flute,
Percussion
★
Anthony Phillips:
Guitar,
Vocals
★
Tony Banks:
Organ,
Guitar,
Piano,
Keyboards,
Vocals
★
Mike Rutherford:
Bass,
Guitar,
Vocals
★
John Mayhew:
Drums,
Vocals
U.S. LP Releases
★
ABC/Impulse AS-9205 (1970): 1st issue,
gatefold cover with art, lyrics and credits.
★
ABC ABCX-816 (1974): Reissue, black label, gatefold cover.
★
ABC ABCX-816 (1976): Reissue, rainbow label, gatefold cover.
★
MCA MCA-37151 (1981): Budget reissue. No gatefold cover.