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"This sounds big. Three guys who manage to sound like five, at least. With driving, groove-oriented rock that varies from distorted noise to slow, almost ballad like rock, this is an interesting disc and a welcomed change from the crap on the radio. Well worth checking out, these guys probably put on a great live show." - MK, IMPACT press
"Last year, Chicago trio Smoke Off Vinyl threw a curveball: the occasional instrumental song alongside the odd U2 cover. It must not have emptied out the bars, because "Break a Leg" and "Shindig" made the cut for Shindig, the fourth Smoke Off Vinyl release, and Shindig is better for it. "Break a Leg" tastes like half a meatball sandwich: three minutes of chugga-chugga instrumental rock (not post-rock) that sticks to the ribs. The jackpot arrives with five and six: longest song "Let You Know" starts like a great instrumental and never loses steam when John Jauch goes vocal almost two minutes in. Title track "Shindig" shifts direction, as it is crisper, and it edges "Break a Leg" as the better instrumental, maybe the best track overall. Shindig may mark the transition between a nice enough Chicago bar band and an overnight sensation through the potential of its raw instrumentation. "Let You Know" illustrates there is room for verse, as long as it does not obscure the goodness underneath. In any case, Shindig establishes Smoke Off Vinyl more than before as a band to watch." - Todd Hunter, Opening Bands.
"Smoke Off Vinyl's new album is a nice piece of work. It flows from solid, melodic rock to more ambient, indiefied rock. "Break a Leg" and "Shindig" are both awesome instrumental tracks. Both have heavy basslines and play with tempo and contrast between the guitar and bass, with the drumlines providing build-up more than rhythm. The last two tracks are where the vocalist shines. In "Lights," he just seems to play of the overall pace of the music more, singing over slower parts and stopping to rock out. It combines their new sound with familiar rock hooks to bring to mind older times and still keep it fresh. In "Where We Are" they change up the music to fit the vocalist, so the voice isn't outdone by the music but instead carries it forward. It is hard to pick a band to say, "If you like this band, then get this album!" If you are into more melodic rock, then this album is worth checking out." - Chris Earhart, Opening Bands
"The opening track to Shindig is a feverish instrumental that jumps out at you. Their musical style is heavy on the distortion with great tones and tiny guitar tricks up their sleeve. Guitarist Chris Reehoff seems he has been feeding on a steady diet of Matt Talbott (Centaur/Hum) and James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins/(a) Perfect Circle) for his guitar licks. He is an amazing player that incorporates cleverly placed leads and fills with a backdrop of crunchy rhythms.
Musically, all eight tracks on this disc are strong. Listen to the driving drums by Ryan Banks on Let You Know. I can imagine feeling this live with my chest thumping to the kick drum.
The production of Shindig is very layered and clean, making the band sound seasoned, but yet with rough edges. Smoke Off Vinyl certainly has something to offer, but they just need a little step in the right direction to solidify the deal." - Randle Stevens, Innocent Words Magazine
