Obscure Sound

"Hudson Valley–based duo AM Gold, the project of Aaron Magram and drummer Dana Fasano, delivers a wide-ranging rock enthrallment on their latest album, Bongs Not Bombs. Recorded solely by the pair, the album moves seamlessly from heavy hard-rocking riffing to lush, twangy introspection, fusing ’70s–inspired hard rock, prog flourishes, and rollicking pop-rock hooks."

Sea of Tranquility

"It’s hard to believe all of this is made by only two people: Aaron Magram on guitars, bass, keys and vocals, and Dana Fasano on drums, percussion and additional vocals. As on 2024’s self-titled album, AM Gold never settles on one musical style throughout this 10-song, 42-minute record, which makes for a listening experience that keeps your ears on their toes. Magram can rage on one song and then do his best Jon Anderson impression on another one, and Fasano hangs on for dear life all while keeping his partner on beat."

Motel Void

"AM Gold’s Bongs Not Bombs is a vibrant, genre-hopping rock record that blends stoner heaviness, indie warmth, experimental detours, and psychedelic punk energy. It’s adventurous, tightly played, and full of surprising twists – proof of a duo unafraid to explore every corner of the rock universe."

Music Review World

"SCORE / Outstanding – By the time the album closes, Bongs Not Bombs feels like more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of intent from a band determined to keep rock unpredictable. AM Gold manages to honour decades of influence without ever sounding nostalgic, blending power and personality in equal measure. The result is a record that hits hard, makes you think, and refuses to sit still. It’s the sound of two musicians chasing freedom through noise, and finding something real along the way."

Plastic Magazine

Drawing inspiration from the 70s onward, Bongs Not Bombs is a sonic collage that shifts from satire to sincerity. Its lyrical spectrum stretches from the sharply topical to the unapologetically absurd, a reflection of the duo’s refusal to take themselves too seriously even as they tackle real ideas.

Return of Rock

"Few bands today manage to sound as wildly alive as AM Gold. On their latest record ‘Bongs Not Bombs’, the Hudson Valley duo don’t just flirt with chaos; they marry it, dress it in sequins, and throw it onstage with a vintage amp stack and a mischievous grin. It’s an album that feels beamed in from a parallel universe where glam, prog, and classic rock never fell out of fashion. Only got weirder, louder, and more self-aware."

Given to Rock

"Bongs Not Bombs is a super eclectic album, amazingly performed, with lots of different atmospheres and genres. The production is great too, very convincing despite the constant "change of scenario". A pleasure to listen to in its entirety, unpredictable, and most importantly, fun."