The HillBenders' newest album, Can You Hear Me? is a powerful mix of original music and unique covers which showcases the band's vocal diversity and instrumental virtuosity. Austin-bred mandolin player Nolan Lawrence provides the group's distinctive soulful, blues-tinged vocals while California-born banjoist Mark Cassidy, cousins guitarist Jim Rea and bassist Gary Rea with Dobroist Chad 'Gravy Boat' Graves are all called on to contribute lead and harmony vocals as well as scorching instrumental solos.
Stand-out tracks include 'Train Whistle' with its infectious groove reminiscent of New Grass Revival, and a unique cover of the Romantics' 'Talking in Your Sleep.'