Stereo Six: The Black Moods Mull Over Their All-Time Favourite Records

Unique in all of the ways that make a band stand out, The Black Moods are not afraid of giving credit where it is due. The modern, classic rock-sounding trio recently released a cover of The Doors’ legendary hit “Roadhouse Blues.” Their version is given a shot in the arm thanks to the contributions of The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger himself. It also features the talents of the young and brilliantly talented rock artist Diamante. The song was even recorded at Krieger’s Los Angeles studio, Love Street Sound. You may assume that this involved all modern gear, but The Black Moods actually recorded the song using a lot of the same gear used by The Doors in the original recording of “Roadhouse Blues.”

As a band, The Black Moods harken back to the times of the classic power trio, when it was a force to be reckoned with. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, their 2020 studio record Sunshine included four Top 30 singles. This was followed up by 2022’s Into the Night, a record with lots of riffs and just the right amount of the blues. Despite their affinity for classic rock, the band members are still very tuned into the modern scene. It’s music that would fit into any scene or era because it’s just damn good music.

With influences obviously an important element of The Black Moods and their songwriting, catching up with them for a Stereo Six made lots of sense. The band outlines six influential albums that have contributed to the development and refinement of their sound.

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991, Warner Bros. Records)

“I was introduced, in-depth, to the Red Hot Chili Peppers by some friends in high school, and it forever changed how I listen to music and approach songwriting.

“RHCP taught me how to blend feel, rhythm, and personality into a tune worth listening to. A perfect example of that is their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. With a spectrum of songs that stretches from powerful rock jams to the more sensitive ballad, ‘Under The Bridge,’ it expresses the band’s personality and vulnerability. Which is why I believe it’s so relatable to this day. We, in The Black Moods, have strived to work this same way.” – Jordan Hoffman

2. Primus – Frizzle Fry (1990, Caroline Records)

“When I was growing up and first took band in grade school, I heard Primus’ album Frizzle Fry, and the drums on that record from Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander just blew me away. His fills, timing and amazing, odd rhythms just made me want to play constantly.” – Chico Diaz

Artwork for the albums The Black Moods lists in this Stereo Six

3. Nirvana – Nevermind (1991, DGC)

“This was a game changer for me. The record made me want to be in a band. The simplicity and the sound of it changed my life forever.” – Chico Diaz

4. The Gin Blossoms – New Miserable Experience (1992, A&M)

“The Gin Blossoms’ record New Miserable Experience hit me like a bolt of lightning on a moonlit desert night. From the blend of harmonies, melodies, and songwriting, it really spoke to me. The album’s beautiful simplicity, lyrical depth and infectious hooks gave me a path and inspired me to go from my small town in Missouri to Phoenix, Arizona.

“Not only did it inspire me to write songs, but that inspiration still gets to me today. I decided when I was 13 that I was going to play guitar with The Gin Blossoms one day, and I have been lucky enough to get the opportunity to do just that on several occasions. The Gin Blossoms gave me the roadmap to navigate the twisted highways of musical storytelling.” – Josh Kennedy

5. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Damn The Torpedos (1979, Backstreet Records)

“It’s about songwriting… and Tom Petty was a genius when it came to just that. Damn The Torpedos by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was highly influential because of its catchy tunes and great lyrics. Massively more important than showing off your skills all over the verse and chorus. This album shows how pressing it is for each voice of an instrument to be working together to create a great song and album. Sometimes, less is more…” – Jordan Hoffman

6. The Doors – The Doors (1967, Elektra Records)

“The first time I came across The Doors’ self-titled debut record was from a friend of mine. Her dad had this amazing record collection that I was obsessed with, and when I came across that iconic album cover, that was it. I put it on and listened to it for hours and hours. From then on, I was completely enthralled with the music and mystique those four created. Robby’s guitar and style, in particular, had me hooked.

“‘Break On Through’ opens the record with extreme style and swagger. ‘Light My Fire’ is the first song Robby ever wrote. A #1. That in and of itself is astounding. Everything about it is JUST cool. So, needless to say, getting to re-record ‘Roadhouse Blues’ with Robby at his studio was something out of a dream. Getting to play guitar off of each other was explosive and one of the most exhilarating and exciting times I’ve ever had in the studio. The best drug there is.” – Josh Kennedy

The Black Moods “Roadhouse Blues” album artwork