Azimuth by Mighty Brother: Album Review

by Gabe Finch February 3, 2023

February 3, 2023

Azimuth by Mighty Brother: Album Review

‘Azimuth’, the fourth studio album from New Orleans-based band Mighty Brother, is an experimental mix of genres, including classic rock, alternative rock, jazz, and blues. The 11-track concept album explores a fictional character’s journey through modern society using the term ‘Azimuth’ as an analogy to navigating life’s hardships. Themes of loss, normalcy, and rebirth are constantly discussed throughout the album.

With enticing vocals, clean guitar, and a powerful saxophone solo, ‘Every Drop of Moonlight’ opens the album. The song is about a character venturing out into the world after his mentor departs. ‘Weighed Down’ is a smooth jazz/rock hybrid with some pretty stunning vocal acrobatics and soaring moments. The song ‘Ovah-Tu-Mawai’ sounds like it may be an old jazz or blues standard, while the piece ‘Midnight Moon’ is soothing and melancholy. The album’s title song, ‘Azimuth’ is a dreamy, passionate love ballad with a seductive sax and piano solo. The soft ‘Normal Seas’ reminds the listeners of Cigarettes After Sex. A more somber track, ‘Rubia Marionet’ still has the album’s most remarkable vocal performance. Track 7 of the album, ‘Blew My Mind’, is a funky, upbeat number with a danceable vibe. The song ‘Doldrums’ has bluesy-sounding guitars, dramatic drumming, and distorted vocals. ‘Cliffs & The Ghost’ starts slow and rhythmic with clean guitars and vocals before picking up the tempo toward the end. The playthrough ends with ‘The Breakers’, a moving song that serves as a beautiful ending to the entire experience, where the character ends up in a shipwreck.

Overall, ‘Azimuth’ is a well-balanced, mature album with a coherent and cohesive sound that will take on an adventure.