To hear some tell it, former and once-again Warrior Soul frontman Kory Clarke has a cult around him that swears by his every word. If it exists, I?ve never been part of it. When I heard singer Eric Wagner was splitting from original Chicago doomers Trouble to pursue less-Troubly musical ventures and that Clarke was taking over, I reacted the same way as I think a lot of fans did: “Huh? Really?”

A respectfully self-released venture available exclusively through the band?s webstore, Live in L.A. captures a set from June of last year, and Clarke, who until recently could be found mic-swinging for Long Island beer rockers Dirty Rig, presents a raspy, whiskey-drowned delivery that no matter the conditions he?s performing under comes off as though he?s been on a bender for the 72 hours prior. It?s not that he can?t hit Wagner?s notes (that he can even attempt and not immediately sound ridiculous says something about his talent), but personality-wise and in terms of the sheer sound of his voice, it?s an odd fit to say the least. After seeing them on tour last fall, checking out the live record was a necessity, if only because it?s the first recorded outing with Clarke up front and as of press time he?ll be singing on the next studio album. Good to know what you?re getting into.

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