Review: Jen Sakato, The Dozen

Not one for formalities, Jen Sakato gets right to the task at hand. On track one she launches into her acerbic material without so much as a “happy to be here.” When Sakato does do crowd work, it’s that charming blend of flattery and light roasting comedy audiences crave.

The track names on her 22-minute debut album from Howl & Roar Records keep you on your toes. We go from Sensual Mom and Racist Dad to Chipmunks are Cute. Naturally, the chipmunk gets the most love from Sakato.

This isn’t alternative, “your mom won’t get why it’s funny,” comedy. Sakato tells relatable anecdotes from her perspective as a mixed-race woman. It’s good joke writing with clear punchlines. There is an explicit content warning, but her humour never goes into obscene territory.

Sakato will call you on your bullshit then dare you to laugh about it. Her deceptively simple stories often make larger points about weird white person behaviour.

After exploring race, dating, and drugs, Sakato ties it all together with an awkward experience at a Japanese pharmacy. Then she shares a couple more quips and, like a true professional, leaves you wanting more.

The Dozen was released May 29, 2020 on Howl and Roar Records.
Listen to it here

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