(Credits: Far Out / No Windows)
Every once in a while, a band emerges that not only seamlessly blends its array of influences, but does so in a deeply authentic way. This is undoubtedly the case of the Edinburgh duo No Windows, whose refinement is all the more remarkable given their age. Made up of singer Verity Slangen and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Morris, aged 19 and 18 respectively, they released their second EP, Pointe Némo, on May 3.
Arriving on Fat Possum, the duo’s latest body of work sees them continue to refine their sound and distill what motivates them musically. An Elliott Smith-esque convergence of guitars, the ethereal essence of Cocteau Twins and a touch of lo-fi 1990s indie and Big Thief thrown in for good measure, the record is a masterful effort for musicians only just starting out of their long journeys. .
Taking its name from the farthest place on the planet, the record evokes a strong winter hit despite being released in the spring. However, there is a warm undercurrent. As it was written to face the coming months of darkness, it also means that it is appropriate now that we leave them behind, closing the door on another testing fight. “Lyrically, it’s very dark and cold,” Slangen says of the EP’s motivations. “It’s about that transition from summer to winter and trying to deal with the isolation that winter brings. The cycle I have throughout the year is quite important.
No, Windows is clearly entering a new chapter. Assisted for the first time by an outside producer, the revered Ali Chant, on mixing duties – who has worked with Dry Cleaning, Yard Act, Aldous Harding and others in the past – his way of being can be heard throughout . Nemo Point. The experience also solidified the duo’s decision to collaborate on songwriting for the first time, which, in their own words, made their product much more polished.
After winning the ‘Sound of Young Scotland’ award at October’s Scottish Album of the Year Awards, Pointe Nemo pushes the couple forward as they continue to evolve behind the scenes and improve their craft through tireless performance. With shows at Brighton’s Great Escape Festival booked for the end of the month, a few slots supporting Honeyblood at the end and an opening for Slow Pulp in June, No Windows are hurtling down their path at breakneck speed, which can only be beneficial. .
Since the EP is so brilliant and they are such a promising band, No Windows answered our quick questions. Whether showing off their good taste by mentioning slowcore legends Codeine or commenting on the cultural status of the Beatles, the breadth of offering explains why their music is so multifaceted and piercing.
Find out the answers below.
Quick questions without Windows:
1. What song would you like played at your funeral?
Morgan:““All things shall pass” – George Harrison. »
Truth:““Tears Can Be So Sweet” – Christine and the Queens. »
2. What was your favorite album of 2023?
“Flyte – Flyte.”
3. Which song features the greatest vocal performance of all time?
Morgan:““You and Me” – Stevie Wonder. »
Truth:““Under the Table” – Fiona Apple. »
4. What song are you most proud of having written to date?
Morgan: “’Old Chain Pier’, but it’s not out yet!”
Truth: “’Return’, but it’s not out yet.”
5. What song would you have liked to write?
Morgan: “’Clementine’ – Elliott Smith. »
Truth: “’Moon Song’ – Phoebe Bridgers. »
6. What is the strangest concert you have ever played?
-“We played St Luke’s a few years ago when no one knew who we were.”
7. What is the strangest concert you have ever attended?
“We both saw Lady Leshurr at a festival a while ago, and she was absolutely incredible, but it was an independent festival and the contrast was so stark.”
8. Double question: do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever been frightened by a supernatural experience?
“Really boring but no, no for both of us!”
9. Double question II: What is your favorite soup? And what is your favorite heartwarming movie?
Morgan: “Chicken noodle soup, Goodwill Hunt.”
Truth: “Tomato soup, Nativity.“
10. Where is the best pun in the world?
“Punjab, India.”
11. Can you recommend an album that we may have never heard?
Morgan: “monamouri love– Bogdan Raczynski.
Truth: “When I see the sun – Codeine.
12. What song do you hate the most in the world?
“’Peach Scone’ – Hobo Johnson.”
13. What was the first song you learned to play?
Morgan:“’Smoke on the Water’-Deep Purple.”
Truth: ““Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver. »
14. If you had to go on a two-week road trip with two other musicians, who would you go with and where would you go?
“Our friend Jacob Alon and Jon Brion (not our friend yet) and Japan!”
15. Are The Beatles overrated?
“No.”
