Collide at Dracula’s Ball, Philadelphia

After at least three full lengths and numerous, rewarding remix releases, Collide were finally persuaded by Patrick Rodgers of Digital Ferret, Philadelphia, to play their first live show ever at Club Egypt, Halloween 2004. With kaRIN’s seductive vocals and dreamy lyrics intertwined with Statik’s rich arrangements, Collide is creating some of the most interesting electronic music the dark/Goth/industrial scene today. Their credits include collaborating with Rhys Fulber, William Faith, and cEvin Key; even their legendary covers, “White Rabbit” and “Haunted When the Minutes Drag”, are as lush as their originals.

Dancing Ferret is established for bringing quality Gothic shows to Philadelphia from the largest Skinny Puppy show on the East coast during the recent tour to numerous Cruxshadows events. Patrick Rodgers and friends were also responsible for the long awaited Sisters of Mercy show of 1997’s Dark Harvest III. In addition to running the famed electronic/goth CD source, Isotank, Digital Ferret hosts Nocturne, the most regularly attended Goth night in Philadelphia. For Halloween 2004, Dancing Ferret continues to feature the best in today’s dark music by offering fans Collide’s debut performance.

I must admit, I spent a good portion of the night at Club Egypt swirling to the magical spinning of DJ Kelly Ashkettle. The show was well attended by the best dressed ghouls in the city. Collide hit the stage around 1AM to play a set of favorites including “White Rabbit” with a six piece band. As with most Halloweens, the night seem to pass by too quickly, but the following are photos chronicling the Collide performance. I briefly spoke to the very charming kaRIN after the show, and she hinted a tour may be in the works!