Album Review: ShitKid – Duo Limbo / ‘Mellan himmel å helvete’

Artfully crafted Swedish punk

ShitKid’s Duo Limbo / ‘Mellan himmel å helvete’ is an interesting project, in both form and content. While at first look it might appear to be like any other 10 track studio album, the first side of the record is essentially a four-song and one skit EP, while the second side is the same EP, but performed in Swedish (the primary language of ShitKid’s place of origin, Stockholm). ShitKid’s attempt at this odd formula for a 10 track album results in a set of personal, affecting and life-affirming punk jams.

The project begins with “Get Jealous,” a lovely intro to the group’s uniquely honest interpretation of punk. Fortunately, familiar punk production is still backing the group’s personal musings. Up next is “Feels Like The Movies,” which, while maybe the least entertaining song of these four, is still more than passable. The song’s middling vocals are buoyed by excellent instrumental work.

ShitKid relaxes into their lower register on much of “Eagles Over America,” the third full song. The most standout moment on this cut includes the great guitar and drums back-and-forth in between verses. This is a high momentum song that, while never picking up too much speed, delivers a satisfying heaviness that punk fans are sure to appreciate. The final song on Duo Limbo (before ShitKid does it all again in Swedish) is “Anger MGMT.” Every aspect of this song is lovely; the guitar, drums, and vocals are the band’s best work. To top it all off, the simple hook is absolutely killer and maybe the best moment on the album.

Maybe it’s just because this album is really just four songs, but ShitKid could’ve provided much more music under this Duo Limbo banner. There’s no reason they couldn’t have made an entire album and then performed that whole thing in another language, rather than just an EP from a few brief sessions. The good part of the project’s brevity is that there’s no time for ShitKid to dip into sub-par music-making territory. Every song is good, great or excellent, and only improves with repeat listens. Regardless of what language the band wants to perform in next, keep an eye out for ShitKid’s next release.