Album Notes

RiverTown Warning CD Debut Release!

Dumb Sheep Music is proud to present the long awaited sophomore release of singer, songwriter, and seminarian Grant Van Leuven: RiverTown Warning!

Observing the struggles of a once flourishing local economy, the title track "RiverTown Warning" inspires this album's theme: a life metaphor reminding us that nothing on Earth lasts, and how just when you think you have it all together the bottom can drop out from under you. Nothing promises permanence: no city, no job, no fancy education, no body. So you can only put your hope in the eternal God who never changes, and whose promises of eternal life in Christ last forever. With that resolve, Grant humbly explores doubts and joys of a redeemed, yet bumpy, life of faith with songs like "You Chose Me", "Dumb, Stupid Sheep", and "When I Look Back", and celebrates his wife and infant daughter in such songs as "In My Baby's Arms", "Little Bit of Both of Us", and "She Leaves the Light on for Me".

The new 10-song album has an eclectic (and, perhaps, eccentric) blend of folk rock, reggae, bluegrass, and country, all with the feel of grassroots Americana. Many have compared Grant's recent music with the styles of John Cougar Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty (all of which he considers to be a huge compliment).

When asked how he would describe his recent musical musings, Grant considers the enthusiastic response at his concerts, and sums it up as "hand-clappin', toe-tappin', folky, bluesy, acoustic driven Christian stuff." That about does it right. See what you think. Give a listen. We dare ya: try NOT to clap, tap, and be moved to ponder about your life. Enjoy.