(Review from rollingstone.com, starling.rinet.ru)

Alvin Lee has taken on a stronger R&B feel and focused on his vocal abilities as much as his guitar in his solo work. “Pump Iron” follows the same pattern as its predecessor — a solid, upbeat-R & B-meets-Anglo-flash format. Alvin Lee is less keen on spontaneous guitar heroics. His well-known friends perform with restrained expertise as well.

The opener ‘One More Chance’, an angry, evil little shuffle with sarcastic synth tones and needle-sharp guitar solos that almost recall something Floydish at times. It harkens 1970-72 Ten Years After period.

Somewhere in the middle you’ll also meet ‘Have Mercy’. Alvin Lee is able to breathe as much sincerity and inspiration into this ballad. Hearing Alvin screaming ‘have mercy on a child of God’ is inspiring,

The album closer, ‘Let The Sea Burn Down’, is reminiscent the “epic” numbers on late-period Ten Years After albums with layers of synthesizers, phased guitars and screechy guitar solos symbolizing the end of the world and stuff like that.

There are other goodies too: ‘Julian Rice’, with its catchy refrain; the acoustic shuffle ‘Time And Space’, recorded live with the help of a wonderful trumpet (or was that oboe?) part; the classy funky jam ‘Burnt Fungus’ with a brilliant organ part; and yet another ballad, ‘The Darkest Night’ is simpy irresistable with its delicious bit of romantic piano.

The issue of the album adds two worthy bonus tracks – a short guitar-based instrumental called ‘Madness’ with funky chops and his funny rendition of ‘Midnight Special’, which probably won’t turn you away from the definitive version of Creedence Clearwater Revival but will be a nice addition to the song’s immense bunch of interpretations nevertheless.

Line-up:
- Alvin Lee / Guitar, Vocals
with
- Ian Wallace / Drums
- Mel Collins / Sax
- Boz Burrell / Bass
- Tim Hinkley / Keyboards
- Ron Berg / Drums
- Brother James / Congas
- Harold Burgon / Arp
- Colin Gibson / Bass
- Bryson Graham / Drums
- Jack Lancaster / Horn
- Ronnie Leahy / Organ
- Andy Pyle / Bass
- Steve Thompson / Bass

Track List:
01. One More Chance – 3:53
02. Try To Be Righteous – 4:03
03. You Told Me – 3:53
04. Have Mercy – 2:48
05. Julian Rice – 4:52
06. Time And Space – 2:43
07. Burnt Fungus – 3:16
08. The Darkest Night – 2:25
09. It’s All Right Now – 2:35
10. Truckin’ Down The Other Way – 2:31
11. Let The Sea Burn Down – 6:42
12. Madness (Bonus) – 1:50
13. Midnight Special (Bonus) – 4:49

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