Genesis
A Trick Of The Tail

THE REVIEW

After Peter Gabriel's departure from the band, the remaining Genesis had to decide to whom they would entrust the role of singer and band leader. The choice fell on Phil Collins, the band's drummer, who had already demonstrated great vocal quality during Peter Gabriel's tenure (as evidenced by songs like "For Absent Friends" and "More Fool Me"). The group was ready to record new material for an album. The album finally came out in February 1976 and was named "A Trick of the Tail." Although it is not a true concept album, various stories of different characters unfold in the songs, which are also represented in the original yellow background cover.

Side A of the album opens with a piece imbued with a very mystical atmosphere and an epic mood, a powerful rock track in which Phil showcases all his vocal skills. The song is titled "Dance on a Volcano" and is lengthy, like the other songs on the album except for the title track "A Trick of the Tail," which lasts four minutes. The second song of the album is sweeter than the first, and Phil displays a very sweet and clear vocal tone in it. The lyrics ironically talk about a patient recounting his dreams to his psychologist. The third song on Side A is a very rock piece that opens with a commanding drum beat, setting the rhythm over which Mike kicks off with his electric guitar riff. The Genesis members admitted to being inspired by Led Zeppelin, especially their songs "Kashmir" and "When the Levee Breaks." The lyrics talk about a woodland creature, the Squonk, which exists in American folklore and, according to legend, cries continuously because of its ugliness and dissolves into tears when caught by hunters. Side A closes with a piece with a very poignant atmosphere. It begins with a piano solo that leads into Phil's calm singing. Midway through the song, the pace quickens to introduce a faster part where the instruments and Phil's voice accelerate. The song ends with the melody from the beginning. Side B opens with a very ironic song with a festive rhythm. It talks about a robber who always manages to escape from the police, shooting them on the spot. This piece features a very unusual and complicated keyboard solo "Made by Tony Banks" in 13/8.

The second track on Side B is a magnificent piece where Phil displays all his vocal quality, and it will become a highlight in concerts. "Ripples," around which a strange story revolves that Mike can tell us (the bassist mentioned that the song originated from a very racy text about English schoolgirls written by him), is a piece with a very calm atmosphere. The title track is significantly inferior to the other strong pieces on the album, very trivial, one might say, compared to the other songs. The album closes superbly with an exquisite instrumental, "Los Endos," which develops the themes of "Dance on a Volcano" and "Squonk." A wonderful album that rightfully enters among the gems of progressive rock. For now, Phil proves to be a worthy successor to Peter Gabriel. At the time, the album surprised both critics and fans of the band, who were convinced that without Gabriel, the group was destined for instant failure. There was good commercial success, with the third position on the British charts and the thirty-first position on the U.S. charts (a position never before reached by Genesis).

The only thing one can say in conclusion is that Genesis did not get discouraged by Peter's departure back then but demonstrated themselves to be a very valid group. What are you waiting for? The album awaits your listening.