Matt Kirshen: I Guess We’ll Never Know

by Daniel Perlman

There are many stand-up comics who are funny, but not exactly made-for-TV. Some comics have the likability for television, but might be a bit lacking in terms of quality humor. Few possess both traits. Enter Matt Kirshen, the 29-year-old comic who looks 16 (“I can go outside, expose myself to strangers, and they get arrested”).

His affable demeanor and good-natured delivery give him leeway to tackle a host of issues in his debut album, I Guess We’ll Never Know.

Kirshen, a British Jew, was first introduced to American comedy fans as a finalist on Last Comic Standing. During his set, he talks to the Minneapolis crowd about some of his experiences adjusting to life as an occasionally-recognizable figure. Hint: it’s more embarrassing when you’re recognized by a fan while trying to solicit cheese fries from a stranger at a drive-thru. He’s also found himself signing autographs for a Texas man on a Guns & Ammo Magazine, or as Kirshen calls it, “Texan Porn”.

Kirshen successfully navigates a range of material in his hour-long performance, poking fun at Plague-infected children, creationism, and pedophilia. Yet he always manages to keep it light for the Midwest crowd, joking about everything from nut allergies to people’s views of medicine.

I Guess We’ll Never Know features well-written material of classic observational and longer storytelling style. One thing we’ll know soon enough: whether Kirshen becomes the next great comedy export from across the pond.

Click the graphic below to purchase Matt Kirshen’s I Guess We’ll Never Know.