Chicago Reader:"I’m not certain that this local band, which includes members of Tongues and Volta do Mar, chose the name “American Draft” as a reference to military conscription—it could be about weak beer, I guess—but Hawk (Coachhouse Collective), their full-length debut, smells like victory. It delivers a startling blast of instrumental indie prog-metal, full of the kind of joyous, orgasmic energy particular to tech geeks with access to powerful amps. Tonight’s ginormous show, a benefit for no-kill animal shelter ARFhouse Chicago, has been informally dubbed “Incest Fest”—according to American Draft guitarist Sean Shipley, every band has at least one member who plays in another band on the bill. Several formed from the ashes of headliner Apocalypse Hoboken, who are reuniting for the occasion after two years off. Top to bottom, the lineup is Apocalypse Hoboken, Lynyrd’s Innards, American Draft, Papillion, Tongues, Veterans, the House That Gloria Vanderbilt, Mexican Cheerleader, Vacation Bible School, Heart Shaped Hate, and the Ronject. —Monica Kendrick"
Illinois Entertainer:
"Add American Draft to Chicago’s instrumental rock pedigree. The band’s second full-length release, the eight-track Hawk On Coachhouse, is like a less frenetic Mastodon minus the vocals. The title track showcases its multi-layered guitar attack, with variations on a soaring/airy riff. Harder-rocking tracks like “Diet Of Worms” and “Tree Of Woe” are at times plodding, faster-paced, and fuzzed-out grunge. The only vocals on the album, provided by a guest in screamcore style, are mercifully brief on “Dragon.” (www.myspace.com/americandraft) – Jason Scales"