Jamie Kilstein: Sober Song Rants And A Cat Story

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When no one is looking Jamie Kilstein ambles onstage, picks up his guitar and starts playing. Kilstein introduces the show and his opening song, setting the tone for the next hour as he delivers his version of a Christian rock ear worm. In it, he slams the intolerance and prejudice spouted in the Lord's name. 

Kilstein, you see, is not happy about the state of his home country of America. Using acid-sharp lyrics and his considerable musical talents, he spreads this word of angry discontent. More than once he cites Bill Hicks as an influence, and that same vitriol is there – if in a more widely accessible package. He sings a wry blues which lampoons the privileged complaints of straight white males. He adopts a menacing tone and a 'wacka wacka' guitar accompaniment to subvert gender roles.

It's not all politics – there's tenderness as Kilstein delivers the Cat Story advertised in the show title, and a delicious romance in his love song for a fellow "nerd".

Kilstein closes with a call to arms for "more weirdoes", celebrating the outcasts in an uplifting and hopeful song – and then leaves with as little fanfare as he arrived. An articulate voice raising questions against the status quo.