Album Review: Zoe Brownstone, Dearly Deported

“True stories dumb decisions” is the tagline for this debut album from Zoe Brownstone, a Toronto born comic who is on the verge of deportation from the Netherlands. This is your classic “woman moves to a foreign country for love and ends up on a journey of self discovery” story, told through the eyes of a stand-up comedian who’s a little too salty for Oprah’s book club.

Opening with a risky joke about her Jewish heritage, Zoe invites the audience to “unclench their assholes.” It’s a wise move, because there’s more where that came from. This comic is grounded, confident in her voice; something that remains a constant as she talks being a single, Jewish, weed-loving lady.

We start with short anecdotes peppered with dark one liners, then Zoe really shines as she opens into vulnerable stories about womanhood, love, and loss. Highlights are “Heritage Moments” and “Hot Summer Bod,” which are so relatable while staying unique to her perspective.

The album ends as strongly as it begins - with a confessional moment tied together with a clever quip. If you like sardonic comedy and smoking weed, or you just want to get real while having a giggle, this is the album for you.

Dearly Deported was released February 24, 2022.
Listen to it here.