The second full length opus from eclectic, industrial duo Collide is seductive without being sexy. Chasing the Ghost is dark without being gothic. They use synths without sounding keyboard. There’s beats without being trippy. You can dance to this but this is not dancy. So what’s going on?

I’m afraid to categorize this because readers will just as soon write them off once labeled. With their first album “Beneath the Skin” they’ve somehow proved in their small circle of music that they can match Front Line Assembly’s Delerium and turn that music upside down and inside out and still remain intriguing. (that is a crazy album btw) With Chasing the Ghost, the craziness is moderate, the pulse slowed, and KaRIN’s voice and words are more up close and personal. Think Rhea’s Obsession turned upside down and inside out. Its something indescribably exotic. When listening I am abducted by aliens.

KaRIN (typed that way) is the star with her musical language. Hushed, stumbling, and breathy, KaRIN dictates and moderates the seamless patches of Statik’s virtual “noise” with emotive femininity. At times she uses that Hindu style-inducing voice synth type of instrument that Kid Rock made popular. Despite her attractive qualities, I am not aroused but rather mesmerized as a charmed snake. Another duo of similar conjuring, Faith and The Muse, helps on a few tracks.

Probably the best way to describe KaRIN and Collide is to reach back in time. Further back than say, the band’s artsy similarities to Human League. Back to the days of Jefferson Airplane and their song “White Rabbit” with witchy woman herself, Grace Slick. Collide covers this with apt psychedelic pomp. The effect just as hallucinating.

by Alzn, score 3.5 out of 5