The Hardkiss. Stones and Honey. /premium, digi-pack/.

The Hardkiss define their style as "progressive pop" – probably, if their music were adapted for live instruments, it would be hard rock. In any case, the power is just incredible. One can hardly believe that it's a debut album, that's how neatly everything is done – it sounds as if the band nurtured and perfected it in their heads for a few years, and when they found themselves in the studio – they just completed the puzzle in a couple of hours. This is, sure, deceptive ease – it is clear this was a considerable piece of work – but it is the "work" that you actually don't hear. One can hear – clear energy, passion, and the ability to present simple lines in a truly delicious way. However, not all the arrangements are that straightforward and, given the "lightness" of the genre, this approach especially pleases. Until recently few of our pop performers have undertaken so much trouble... However, now there is a small looming galaxy of truly quality pop projects that work at the intersection of styles and contexts. The highest-profile ones are, perhaps, Ivan Dorn, Onuka, Jamala, the Maneken... The Hardkiss seem to also be from this series. They are all very different and in their own way self-sufficient, but all together – they create the impression of a true phenomenon. Here is the new Ukrainian pop music. Targeted beyond.

Premium edition, contains a 12-page booklet with lyrics of all the songs and photos, plus the group's poster.