Formed in April of 2008 and still touring with the original lineup, The HillBenders have firmly established their presence as one of the most energetic and engaging progressive acoustic bands on the scene. They continue to wow audiences from stages around the stage the country and around the world. Just over three years ago, the band shifted their focus away from original music to tackle their recent critically-acclaimed “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry” release. This was a strategic choice for a band that first made its name with a barrage of catchy, original songs. While it proved to be an extremely successful decision, vaulting the band onto the global stage, it took the band’s time and attention away from their roots and the music that started their career. Now The HillBenders have shifted their focus back onto their originals and have released their fourth studio album, appropriately and eponymously titled “The HillBenders.” Many of the songs have been shared in live settings over the last couple of years as the band toured in support of “Tommy” but have never been recorded. $25