Edinburgh-based duo No Windows is Morgan Morris and lyricist Verity Slangen. The pair had previously played together in a cover band before deciding to embark on this new project during the pandemic in 2020. While Verity penned the lyrics, Morgan produced the tracks for their debut EP Fish Boy from his home studio, drawing inspiration from slowcore bands like Duster. Their latest release, The Great Traitor, marks a coming-of-age journey for both Verity and Morgan, who are just stepping out of their teenage years and into adulthood. The six-track EP delves into themes of growing up, introspection, and navigating interpersonal connections.
The EP opens with “Brown Bear,” a track that introduces a swinging melody intertwined with themes of regret, captured in lines like “I should have told you I loved you.” “Return” continues exploring regret, layered with a striking background guitar that toggles effortlessly between folk and art-infused pop. Meanwhile, “Tricky” offers a laid-back, folky vibe, channeling the warmth and happiness of a love song.
“Sugarcoat” shifts the narrative to the emotional complexities of making up, highlighted by lyrics such as “things will be different” and “why should I trust you?” The vibrato in “Old Chain Pier” showcases Verity’s raw vocal ability while the song’s progression underscores the duo’s ability to compose an expansive, larger-than-life sound. The EP concludes with “Easter Island,” where intertwined dual vocals underscore the indispensable synergy of the two-piece ensemble.
Following their electronic-heavy Fish Boy EP from 2022, No Windows demonstrates their broad musical capabilities in The Great Traitor. Transitioning from lo-fi bedroom productions to a full recording studio, they collaborated with Ali Chant (known for work with Dry Cleaning, Sorry, and Yard Act). This shift has enabled Verity and Morgan to push creative boundaries, incorporating a range of new instruments and crafting infectious folk-driven melodies. With The Great Traitor, No Windows establishes themselves as worthy peers to contemporaries in the genre.
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