The band who originated the term "newgrass" continued their progressive bluegrass stylings on Hold to a Dream. As their work grew, the band explored new textures and instrumentation, including the use of fretless bass on Bela Fleck's jazz-inspired "Metric Lips" and the sea shanty roll of Pat Flynn's "I'll Take Tomorrow." Lead singer John Cowan is expressive but still relatively restrained (compared to some of his other recordings), and the interplay between Fleck's banjo and Sam Bush's fiddle or mandolin really sparks. While this album drifts closer to their contemporary country side than their bluegrass roots, it certainly makes for an entertaining listen. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide