From their sense of tonality to the dynamic approach to their songwriting (something that can otherwise plague noise rock), Exhalants are forever changing shape, but keep things consistent with volume, force, and intense tension. They are a national treasure and it’s about time they get recognized as such.

On an album that never lets up from it’s gripping sludge and distorted pummel, “Punishers” is a stand-out in a flurry of stand-outs thanks to it’s patience. The song uses empty space to create depth in their attack, with a sordid groove and mangled guitars finding their own room to wander.