The band has earned comparisons to Little Feat, Steve Earle, The Band, the Replacements, and others playing a mix of high energy rock, soul, folk and the blues featuring brotherly harmonies and charged lyrics. The Last Round band members are Evan Purcell, Charles Rowan, Doug Mackey and Pete Davidson.

Ryan and Evan Purcell's father once performed before legendary blues singer Big Bill Broonzy, and studied at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago during the folk revival of the late 50's. The songs learned there became family favorites they continue to play today and clearly influence the bands style. Their performances are filled with original tunes that could easily have come from that same songbook.

"One of those albums that hit hard and never lets up - even as it makes you smile." Jon Worley, Aiding and Abetting.

Ryan Purcell releases his debut CD, “Kick the Dirt” a “great, foot tapping” collection of “blue collar, down-to-earth Americana.” The sardonic bluesy kick of "Guantanamo," opens the CD. Called a “very sad and very funny song” by Greg Vandy, (DJ: KEXP 90.3 The Roadhouse) it showcases Ryan Purcell's rough and ready vocals, a loose - in the best sense of that word - band in fine alt-country form, and serves as the perfect soundtrack for the waning days of the Bush administration. It is already getting airplay from a few select college stations including KEXP 90.3.

Described as: “a dash of country, the blues, soul and grit... all plastered on top of a base of rollicking folk,” Ryan Purcell’s Kick the Dirt “Reminds me a lot of Billy Bragg... delivered in a sound that's highly reminiscent of mid-70s Neil Young.” More Jon Worley: Aiding and Abetting.

The songs weave cutting political lyrics with more personal themes of disappointment and loss throughout. However the recording avoids being either preachy or a downer, due to a bone dry sense of humor and a sense that all things are still possible. A highlight of many bands featuring brothers is the singing, and "Kick the Dirt" is no exception. Evan Purcell, also playing slide and lead guitar, sings backup, and his higher, sweeter backing vocals blend perfectly with the gritty lead vocals of his older brother. The recording also features the inventive drumming of Mark Pickerel (Screaming Trees, Niko Case) and Jim Sangster (Young Fresh Fellows, The Picketts) on bass.

Ryan Purcell, with a live act recently formed and ready to hit the clubs in 2008, “should bring a smile to many faces. And the website is well worth a look too.” (Americana UK)

For more information, cd/promo requests, or to set up an interview, please contact:

Ryan Purcell
ryanp@blarg.net
www.ryanpurcell.net
http://www.myspace.com/ryanpurcell
(206) 723-5285
(206) 290-2975