Belgium-based rockers, The Monotrol Kid are making waves with their 2019 album called Exhale. Right off-the-bat you can hear a kind of R.E.M. music influence thanks to the effective vocals and music of group leader and guitarist Erik Van den Broek. The Monotrol Kid excels in a kind of 21st century mix of folk music meets Americana rock spirit and they cite Wilco, Billy Bragg and The Jayhawks among their chief influences. The band’s Bob Dylan influence is also noted in the CD booklet. The lead off track “The Northside” is the perfect track to introduce Erik's vocals. Written and produced by Erik Van den Broek, the album is co-produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by group keyboardist Luc Weytjens, who excels on piano, Hammond and other keyboards. The solid electric lead guitar work of Dries Vanhove sounds very Neil Young inspired and Exhale also features his fretboard skills on acoustic guitar, mando guitar, lap steel and baritone guitars, while the band is further fortified by the rhythm section of Bart Strubbe (bass) and Philip Mathuis (drums) with additional keyboards from Vincent Pierins. Fans of 21st century pop-rock from a Euro-centric band absorbed in all things Americana will flip for The Monotrol Kid.