Quick-fire Questions: 10 minutes with No Windows
Every so often, a band emerges that not only seamlessly blends its array of influences but does so in a profoundly authentic manner. This is undoubtedly the case with Edinburgh duo No Windows, whose refinement is made even more remarkable given their ages. Comprised of vocalist Verity Slangen and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Morris, 19 and 18, respectively, they release their second EP, Point Nemo, on May 3rd.
Arriving on Fat Possum, the pair’s latest body of work sees them continue to refine their sound and distil what makes them tick musically. A convergence of Elliott Smith-esque guitars, the ethereal essence of Cocteau Twins, and a touch of 1990s lo-fi indie and Big Thief thrown in for good measure, the record is a masterful effort for musicians only at the outset of their long journeys.
Taking its name from the location furthest away from land on the planet, the record evokes a strong hit of winter despite being released in spring. However, there is a warm undercurrent. As it was written to confront the months of darkness ahead, it also means it’s appropriate now that we’re leaving them behind, closing the door on yet another testing bout. “Lyrically, it’s very bleak and cold,” Slangen explains of the EP’s motivations. “It’s about that transition from summer into winter and trying to face the isolation that winter brings. The cycle that I have through the year is quite a significant one.”
No Windows are clearly moving into a new chapter. Assisted for the first time by an outside producer in the revered Ali Chant on mixing duties – who has worked with Dry Cleaning, Yard Act, Aldous Harding and others in the past – his nouse can be heard coursing throughout Point Nemo. This experience has also augmented the duo’s decision to be collaborative for the first time in songwriting, which, in their own words, has made their product much finer.
Fresh off the back of winning the ‘Sound of Young Scotland’ award at October’s Scottish Album of the Year Awards, Point Nemo pushes the pair forward as they continue to evolve behind the scenes and improve their craft by relentlessly gigging. With shows at Brighton’s Great Escape Festival booked for later this month, a couple of slots supporting Honeyblood at the tail end, and a run opening for Slow Pulp in June, No Windows are heading down their path at breakneck speed, which can only be beneficial.
Given that the EP is so brilliant and that they are such a promising act, No Windows answered our quick-fire questions. From showing their great taste by mentioning slowcore legends Codeine to commenting on The Beatles’ cultural status, the scope on offer accounts for why their music is so multifaceted and indeed, piercing.
Check out the answers below.
Quick-fire Questions with No Windows:
1. What song would you want played at your funeral?
Morgan:” ‘All Things Must Pass’ – George Harrison.”
Verity:” ‘Tears Can Be So Soft’ – Christine and the Queens.”
2. What was your favourite album of 2023?
“Flyte – Flyte.”
3. What song features the greatest vocal performance of all time?
Morgan:” ‘You and I’ – Stevie Wonder.”
Verity:” ‘Under The Table’ – Fiona Apple.”
4. What song are you most proud to have written to date?
Morgan: “‘Old Chain Pier’, but it isn’t out yet!”
Verity: “‘Return’, but it also isn’t out yet.”
5. What song do you wish you had written?
Morgan: “‘Clementine’ – Elliott Smith.”
Verity: “‘Moon Song’ – Phoebe Bridgers.”
6. What is the weirdest gig you’ve ever played?
“We played St Luke’s a few years ago when no-one knew who we were.”
7. What is the weirdest gig you’ve ever been to?
“We both saw Lady Leshurr at a festival a while ago, and she was absolutely amazing, but it was an indie festival and was such a stark contrast.”
8. Dual Question: Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever been spooked by a supernatural experience?
“Really boring but no, no for both of us!”
9. Dual Question II: What’s your favourite soup? And what’s your favourite comfort movie?
Morgan: “Chicken noodle soup, Goodwill Hunting.”
Verity: “Tomato soup, Nativity.“
10. Where is the best pun in the world?
“Punjab, India.”
11. Can you recommend an album we might never have heard?
Morgan: “myloveilove– Bogdan Raczynski.”
Verity: “When I See The Sun – Codeine.”
12. What song do you hate most in the world?
“‘Peach Scone’ – Hobo Johnson.”
13. What was the first song you ever learned to play?
Morgan:” ‘Smoke On The Water’ – Deep Purple.”
Verity: “‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ – John Denver.”
14. If you had to go on a two week roadtrip with two other musicians, who are you going with and where are you going?
“Our friend Jacob Alon and Jon Brion (not our friend yet) and Japan!”
15. Are The Beatles overrated?
“No.”
