You donut: Siop Shop and Dutch Uncles’ Robin Richards create new confectionary

Robin Richards of Manchester’s alt-pop heroes Dutch Uncles is celebrating the release of Castel, his debut solo EP, with an edible treat in collaboration with Tib Street’s finest, Siop/Shop: a limited edition donut. Recorded during a residency in Caernarfon, Wales, Castel features lush choral pieces inspired by his experiences there, sparking a natural connection with the Welsh café Siop/Shop—famed purveyors of fine coffee, legendary baked goods and general café excellence. The first track to be released from Cartel is Cofi, a beautiful, Welsh-language, choral piece. Richards says of the track: “Cofi a piece dedicated to the people of Caernarfon. The close vocal harmonies reflect the close community and spread lyrics between the singers’ parts to represent the sharing nature of the Cofis.” The donut also includes traditional Estonian flavours as a nod to the late Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt, whose work also influenced the EP—an all-round tribute to the power of good food and music. With rumours of a live performance at Siop/Shop banding around the Northern Quarter, this might not be the last we’ll hear of a collaboration between Richards and Siop/Shop. Meanwhile, The donut is available from Siop/Shop today, and Castel is released this Friday on PRAH Recordings.