Review: G2 Definitive Genesis at Pacific Road in Birkenhead

Jan 18 2010 Chester Chronicle

G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS/Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead, 16.01.10

REVIEW/by Grahame Rhodes

FOR me tribute bands fall into two categories – those who strive to look like the band or artist they cover, and don’t play too well – and those who don’t have the physical appearance, but can play very well – and it’s safe to say that G2 Definitive Genesis most definitely fall into the latter category, as the band’s third visit to Pacific Road attracted several hundred die-hard Genesis fans to their show.

The Essex-based outfit deal mainly in the 1975-1980 era, when Phil Collins came out from behind his drum kit to take over lead vocals, the other band members then being Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Steve Hackett, who later departed, but do delve into earlier songs as well, when Peter Gabriel was vocalist.

Not for them the more poppy tunes that followed, but the epic, long numbers off albums such as “A Trick Of The Tail” and “Wind & Wuthering” – songs that are really complex with subtle changes of atmosphere and pace, that demand musicianship of the highest order.

The five-piece band consist of Terry Day (vocals and percussion), Chris Cawte (guitar and vocals), Piers de Lavison (keyboards), Dave Wilk (bass, guitar and vocals) and Jeff Walker (drums and percussion) – with Day’s vocals and stage presence eerily reminiscent of Phil Collins, and receiving sterling backing from the other four members.

A mammoth show was greatly appreciated by the crowd – many word perfect on the songs! Indeed at one stage, Terry Day urged keyboard player Piers de Lavison to get the intro to “Firth Of Fifth” right, as it would be noticed if he didn’t! Indeed that classic from “Selling England By The Pound” was one of the night’s highlights.

Other standouts saw a dip back for songs from “A Trick Of The Tail” – namely “Ripples” and “Los Endos”, with a very lengthy version of the even earlier “Suppers Ready” from the “Foxtrot” album. The band touched on “Wind & Wuthering” for “Eleventh Earl Of Mar” – with a great version of “Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”, the title cut from the double concept album.

What probably makes this show work, is, as previously mentioned, the high standard of musicianship, coupled with fine sound and light show. In lesser hands these complex songs could fall flat, but with G2 Definitive Genesis they most definitely don’t. Apart from Day’s vocals, the clean guitar lines from Chris Cawte and Piers de Lavison’s multi-layered keyboard work were most impressive, with Dave Wilk on the twin-neck bass and guitar doing sterling work with energetic and skilful drummer Jeff Walker.

As it’s unlikely Genesis will tour again in the near future or at all, for any fans out there, catch these guys on tour – apparently they will be back around July – and it’s probably as close to the real thing you will see.