Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thurs 23) from 10am for the long awaited return of US songwriter Sufjan Stevens, four years after an unforgettable Great Escape show.

His last appearance at Brighton Dome Concert Hall in 2011 saw Stevens dabbling in electronica on his The Age Of Adz album, with a hugely ambitious and theatrical live performance.

But with his latest very personal LP Carrie And Lowell Stevens has returned to the acoustic set-up last heard on 2004’s Seven Swans and the following year's international breakthrough album Illinoise.

The latter album was part of Stevens’ claim he would record an album focusing on every state of the US. Sadly this project stalled in 2005 after only two states – Illinois and Michigan.

His latest collection, named after his mother and stepfather, was prompted by Carrie’s death from stomach cancer in 2012.

He has described the making of it as “a means of grieving”, but admits he fell deeper into doubt and misery during the sessions.

The result has been one of the most spectacular, intimate and honest creations in his career to date – which should make for a breath-taking show.

Support from Madisen Ward And The Mama Bear.

Sufjan Stevens plays the Church Street venue on Friday, September 4, doors 7.15pm, tickets from £25.50. Call 01273 709709.