Still a good, hard-driving electric band, the James Gang's latest relies on new Gangster Tommy Bolin's tunes and the group's proficient instrumental work. Lead singer Roy Kenner's acapella bebop showcase, "Rather Be Alone With You," Bolin's "Standing in the Rain" and the single, "Must Be Love," are all high points. The band, steeped in English rock, sounds at times like Free, Family and the Who. Bang (originally entitled Gang Bang) is best when it blasts straight ahead, worst when it employs cheap sound effects, stilted strings and long thump-thump finales. (RS 157)

JACK BRESCHARD