A TRICK OF THE TAIL

ATOTT is the 7th studio album by progressive and symphonic prog legends Genesis, and the first album without their founder frontman and vocalist Peter Gabriel' huge shoes to fit'but is also what would be te first step towards a more commercial and accesible catalog.

Phil Collins reiterated what was already evident since Nursery, he is a great vocalist and at first listen, not so distant from the band's previous sound with Gabriel. Isn't Dance on a Volcano the best opener ever on a Genesis album? What about the folky and beautiful Entangled? Such a pair of songs to welcome the listener to this new version of the band, with a an unearthly creative Banks taking over, impressive and unique guitar playing by Hackett, is just such a great album.

Squonk presents the very first glimpse of how Genesis will sound from now on, specially in the late 70's and early 80's, with the Rutherford-Banks tandem crafting atmospheric and groovy rhythms both appealing and danceable. The heartfelt Mad Man Moon could easily be the prelude to The Wind & Wuthering album, very beautiful and melodic. Robbery, Assault and Battery brings us back to the storytelling PG era, equally smart and inventive, just more modern sounding, the band shows they are far from loosing a beat after Gabriel's departure, magnificent. Ripples is another outstanding song, one that could have been taken from either Foxtrot or Selling England, the intricate playing between Hackett and Banks is so unique and recognizable, they were a fantastic duo! The title track portrays a more playful Banks, who's imaginative songwriting seems to have no limit or boundaries, the only downside to me is the fact that the guitars seem to be so low on the mix, wish they were more present here. Los Endos finds the band acting more as a whole, the way they sound the best, great percussion by Mr. Collins, masterful bass by Mr. Rutherford, the incredible keyboard s and guitars having their own private discussion, love every second of this groovy and symphonic track, what a bold choice to close an album, genius! Another must own/known album by the greatest band ever.