And LAKEHURST also want to know it again. Four years after their last MCD "Sosexy" they have their second full length on offer, titled "Close Your Eyes", once more released independently. Unfortunately the band has not managed to belt out another killer song like “Stay“, but that doesn’t mean that the songs were blah, no, I like the CD quite a bit, also because the songs have a soul.

There is not enough variety, but who cares. Variety? Yes, but not within the single songs, but altogether. I just miss a true ass-kicking Rocker, where the cow flies. But other than that there is not much to be sneered at. The band likes to work with calmer and balladesque elements, which then turn into heavier parts. The guitars have a more modern touch at times, but it fits well and what keyboardist Bernd conjures out of his instrument is more than remarkable. No, the keys do not water down the sound, but give the cake the right dollops of icing.

Speaking of icing, sugar mouse and singer Nicole really adds to the songs with her very good performance. There is a certain melancholic stuff all over the album, which I like a lot. On the other hand the band also has to live with the accusation of pretty blatant copism, because the beginning of “Forget It” sounds a LOT like “Kirche” by BÖHSE ONKELZ. Fans of more Pop-py DORO or HEART can get this one, as there also are two goods video clips included. (Online May 25, 2006)