If you're a latecomer to the story of Lars Bygdén, don't worry - you arrive at the most exciting chapter yet. The Stockholm-based Swede's third solo album to date is his finest and most definitive work in 13 years as a recording artist. He believes in it so much that he's titled it with his initials. "Maybe a glimpse of my diminishing imagination," Bygdén muses, "or maybe a way to challenge yours." Lushly expansive of arrangements, gorgeously warm of feeling and disarmingly honest of sentiment, LB is the ideal introduction to an artist whose career arc to date brings to mind a kind of Scandinavian Ryan Adams: talented singer-songwriter and guitarist from small town back of beyond cuts his teeth with critically acclaimed alt-country band, spreads his wings as a solo artist, makes a string of eclectic, heart-on-sleeve albums ploughing the deepest depths of a troubled soul and embracing an expectations-confoundingly broad spectrum of American roots music, from country to folk, blues and rock. Sure, big sales and worldwide recognition à la Adams haven't come Bygdén's way yet. But with LB, an international breakout is surely long overdue for one of Sweden's best kept secrets. Especially with such a treasure trove of a back catalogue as his awaiting to be unlocked too by way of a bonus