Iron Mask’s Fifth son Of Winterdoom get raw deal!

It looks as if  it's not just me then that think Iron Mask's "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" got a raw deal in reviews.
I got this in my e-mail from twitter:

Lee Smith,
See your week in review.

These Tweets helped you make connections, got people excited, and started your friends talking. 7 Total Views Your most popular Tweet for the week of March 14, 2014: You got some attention with this Tweet. Alien Candy (Is There Life On Mars?): Re: Iron Mask Fifth Son Of Winterdoom reviewaliencandy.blogspot.com/2014/03/re-iro… #IronMask Are reviewers deaf? 01:16 PM - 15 Mar 14

I should make it clear, I don't have a problem if the Reviewer feels the album isn't to his taste. My object is how unfair the reviews are and while I don't make any claim about my ability to write reviews; I feel that they are badly written, and if you want to write such articles you should at least listen to the album especially if you didn't pay for it and are going to basically slag it off! Any way, I've said my piece.

Lace & Whiskey “Christmas Time Is Here” Review

Review by Lee Smith

Lead Vocals Guitar:  Andy Hodgson
Lead guitarist:  Melissa Collett
Bass:   Nick Charleston
Drums:  Aaron Smith

Lace & Whiskey ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ is the 2013 Christmas single from the East London band.  Okay I know it’s a bit late and nobody really wants to talk about Christmas in January.  This is a track though which really made me sit up and take this band seriously.  Andy Hodgson’s vocals are much cleaner than on there debut album release ‘Running Out Of Time”.   Vocals for me are very important to a band and plays a big part in me liking them or not.  Andy on this track shows he has a sensitive side to his vocals.   The rest of the band sound great too, top form in fact.   Although this may not be a very street cred thing to say, I also know his parents are very proud of this track.  As I was around Phil and Anne’s (Andy’s parents) when they played it for both me and my wife.  This in my opinion is the best track I have heard from Lace & Whiskey.  It manages to capture the spirit of Christmas perfectly.  I also love the more elaborate production used which features a children’s chorus.  The song is also extremely well written and shows a growing maturity.  Best part is apparently 50% of sales go to the charity World Vision.  What better reason do you need to purchase?

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

Please see * for more information on my review rating scores.

Production: 10
Shred: 2
Song Writing: 10
Performance: 10
32/40 = Green Thumbs-up!
* Any review scores more than 20/40 gets the Green Thumbs up!  Any Scores 35 or above get the Alien Candy gold award, and is an essential buy.

Review: Lace & Whiskey - Running Out of Time Cd album

By Lee Smith

Running Out of Time
Track list:
1 - But Do You Love Me?
2 - I'm Here for You
3 - The Nightmare's Back
4 - Out of Time
5 - Confuse the Mind
6 - What Is Love?
7 - Isolation
8 - Bad Dream
9 - Night of the Armada
10 - Don't Ask Questions
11 - Time Never Ends

This is a difficult one to do, because I know Andy Hodgson of Lace & Whiskey personally. But here at Alien Candy we have to give you an honest opinion.  So as such my reviews have to be hard as nails.  For one my reputation as a reviewer has to be solid.   I also wouldn't be doing Lace & Whiskey any favours by not doing an honest review.   I feel okay about this one to tell the truth because this is a good album and if It wasn't It would be my duty to tell you.
First off, the CD cover photo of the band holding clocks in front of their faces I find  intriguing.  The band were formed in East London, 'Running Out of Time' was released on 12 June 2012.  Lace & Whiskey are, lead singer Andy Hodgson, lead guitarist Melissa Collett, Nick Charleston on bass and Aaron Smith on drums., who has a pleasant rhythmic approach to pounding the skins.

Melissa Collett is an excellent guitarist and works well with the raspy vocal styling of Andy Hodgson (Rock ‘n’ Roll Andy).  'But Do You Love Me', Is a song that most people who are, or have ever been in a relationship can identify with.
To me they have a 70s bluesy rock feel reminiscent of the Face’s, with a dash of folk..   Although I loved the album from when I first heard it, it took me a while to decide if I was a fan or otherwise.  Not because it wasn't good, just so different to what I would normally listen to.  Retro and sublime, Lace & Whisky soon charmed me.
Another stand out track is 'Out of Time' the official single from the album.  Full of hooks, you'll soon be singing along with your hair brush microphone.
'The Nightmare’s Back' is a darker track probably influenced by personal life events, although not as radio friendly as the other two tracks, still every bit as good.

‘Night Of The Armada’ is obviously inspired by Iron Maiden.  Although a contrast to the rest of the album it comes as no surprise to me who knows Andy personally.
This isn’t a perfect album,  some song although still good, are middle of the road.  At times Andy's vocals seem a little rough.  I wonder if Melissa’s vocals shouldn't be a little more prominent instead of coming in occasionally for backing duty.  But when this band are hot they are hot!  Overall I highly recommend 'Running Out of Time' as it represents excellent value for money.

Lace & Whiskey Live!

Please see * for more information on my review rating scores.
Production: 9
Shred: 2
Song Writing: 7
Performance: 7
25/40 = Green thumbs-up!
* Any review scores more than 20/40 gets the Green Thumbs up!  Any Scores 35 or above get the Alien Candy gold award, and is an essential buy.
Please see official site for Purchasing information.