Ears Wide Open: The Walcotts

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The Walcotts certainly aren’t the only band on the L.A. scene trying to extract more juice out of ’60s and ’70s Americana – in this case, the Band – but they are definitely squeezing the hardest. Formed from the ashes of the classic rock outfit the Riders and musically centered around singer-guitarist Tom Cusimano and singer Emily Alfstad, the Walcotts typically number nine, complete with Wurlitzer, horns, pedal steel and violin. There’s the overwhelming scent of homage on their two EPs, “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2;” the band’s name derives from the 1970 song “W.S. Walcott Medicine Show” on “Stage Fright.” But arguments about authenticity aside, Cusimano, Alfstad and their cast of characters (to name-check, from “Vol. 2:” Jim Olson, Ulf Bjorlin, Carlos Alvridez, Jamison Hollister, Erik Kertes, Matt Rubin and Devin Shea) know what they’re doing. Raise a glass to the late Levon Helm – in fact, make it strawberry wine – and be thankful the Walcotts aren’t making emo with a banjo.

||| Stream: “Hanging Time”

||| Download: “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2” on Bandcamp on a name-your-price  basis.

||| Live: The Walcotts finish up their residency at Harvard & Stone on Aug. 27, supported by Brian Whelan and Ted Russell Kamp.
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