toronto, canada - july 15, 2024

Up between Trinity Bellwoods and Kensington Market in Toronto, youbet took over the Monarch Tavern Monday night for an intimate evening full of authentic rock. With the calm and causal confidence of a group totally comfortable in their music, youbet takes over the room with the ease of a band that's been in the industry for years.

Led by Nick Llobet on guitar and vocals, the New York trio is filled out by Micah Prussack and Jojo Quinn who combine to balance the tongue-in-cheek whimsy and emotional intensity of Llobet’s song writing. Throughout the set, the three bicker and rip off of each other, all in good humour of course, which creates an atmosphere of easy friendship and draws the crowd into not only the music, but also the dynamic on stage.

Fresh off of the release of their sophomore album, Way To Be, the setlist is a mix of slow and upbeat songs, all full of emotion and soul, drawing the room fully into the world of youbet. Using music to explore dysfunctional relationships, regret, self confidence, queerness, and more, youbet’s discography is an honest reflection of the process of self discovery. Despite the sometimes heavy nature of the songs, youbet maintains a light playness in the music which adds a disorienting air that keeps the listener on their toes.

The Monarch Tavern provides the perfect venue for the show, allowing youbet to take over the room with an undeniable magnetism that draws the audience in from the first song of the setlist. Taking the time to tell stories and ask the audience questions in between songs, youbet is not only engaging but makes you feel like you’re hanging out and goofing off with your friends. Asking hard hitting questions like “do you think the Kendrick/Drake beef raised or lowered Toronto’s GDP?” into the audience keeps the show light and fun, in spite of the heavier subject matter of some of the songs.

Currently on a short July tour run, youbet, alongside Truth Club, provide the perfect evening for any indie rock fan. Their balance of deep soul and emotion with lighthearted whimsy promises that you will leave any venue a fan. If you can’t catch them this summer, be sure to stream their latest album, Way To Be, out now on all streaming platforms.