Review: Bonnie McFarlane, Bird Calls

Alberta born Bonnie McFarlane is a beginner with birds but an expert on funny.

Bonnie McFarlane takes her funny business seriously. Known in the industry for her work ethic, she has years of experience as a performer, host, panelist, podcaster, author, and film writer/director. She demonstrates that expertise on debut album Bird Calls, as she maintains a delicate balance between vegan feminist and snarky club comic. 

McFarlane is confident with a natural command of the space. Her crowd work is impressive as she skillfully transitions from acerbic material to off the cuff interactions. There is a point on Bird Calls where the audience gets a little excited, but she indulges them without giving up control. 

The material on Bird Calls is personal enough to feel friendly, but McFarlane keeps you guessing as she cloaks her opinions in absurdly dark punchlines. 

In terms of tone, she is a mix of Wendy Liebman’s punchy one-liners and the relatable weariness of Kathleen Madigan. 

Some of the premises on Bird Calls feel familiar, as women’s collective desperation to get married and dispassionate sex with their husbands are both mentioned. But McFarlane’s unique, playfully jaded perspective on life (and appropriate snack foods) keeps it fresh. 

Overall Bonnie McFarlane’s Bird Calls is a sharp, well-executed offering from a performer who knows her brand and her audience.

Birds Calls was released March 20, 2020 on Howl & Roar Records.
Listen to it here