Robin Richards, principal composer in beloved Manchester art-pop band Dutch Uncles, announces details of Taproots; his long-awaited debut solo album, set to be released 19th September on PRAH Recordings. Inspired by artists such as Flying Lotus, Arvo Pärt, Phillip Glass, Kate Bush, Boards of Canada and Tim Hecker, the album’s arc includes pieces about self-doubt, positive life changes, fatherhood and a suite of concept pieces about the life cycle of trees. 

Taproots features contributions throughout from pianist Chris Illingworth (of the Mercury Prize-nominated GoGo Penguin), flautist Ellen Beth Abdi (emerging Manchester solo artist). It was produced by Brendan Williams (James, Wu Lyf, GoGo Penguin, Dutch Uncles). Experiments with manipulated acoustic sounds such as prepared pianos and guitar, combined with an orchestra of synthesisers, flutes and samples, are underpinned by live drums and Richards’ distinctive bass guitar. 

In an arresting debut solo longplayer, Richards conveys personal and conceptional themes of growth and adaption through distinct motifs within each of the pieces, creating an aural journey intended to resonate with listeners’ life experiences. Taproots is a departure from Richards’ work to date, which includes six albums with his band Dutch Uncles (“Stockport’s answer to Talking Heads” - The Guardian, 2023) and 2021’s double film soundtrack release The Earth Asleep & Birdsong (PRAH Recordings).