by Kris Handel
youbet’s 2020 debut, Compare and Despair, announced frontperson Nick Llobet to be a musician who is very accomplished at crafting quirk filled psychedelic pop that was full of complexities. Way to Be, the sophomore full length, follows suit but has the band amping up touches of Latin fire and flair while maintaining the ability to musically turn on a dime confidently and with a deft hand. This new album carries more confidence while still maintaining an atmosphere of creative pop melodies as well as musical exploration with different rhythms and little bursts of Tropicália. Llobet's guitar work is fluid and breathtaking yet capable of veering into angry eruptions of distortion and fury, adding tension and a sense of chaos that plays well with the bursting intensity of the songwriting.
"Nurture" is one of the most immediately gripping songs on the album, propelled by bursts of bubbling keyboard and bass, as well as Llobet's rolling guitar fills that repeatedly catch the listener by surprise. Their vocals waver with a deep ache and admirably flow with the waves of cymbal crashes and wobbly keys on a tune that miraculously combines Zombies pop with a bit of Radiohead-like twisting. Lead single "Carsick" also demands the listener’s attention as Llobet's adds complexity with their guitar interjections and alternating loud-soft dynamic, driven forward by pounding bass. The lyrics speak to uncertainty and lack of direction compellingly as they cautiously intone "knowing when to stop/it must be sweet" with a confusion and pained sincerity.
"Do" is a bit of ominously dark and passionate moodiness as guitars crunch and a ringing keyboard note buzzes underneath before transitioning into finger picked Flamenco-ish guitar lines. Llobet uses the track to play with the listeners’ senses using a daring mixture of tones and disorienting soundscapes that shift manically yet never pushing the audience away. "Peel" is another kaleidoscopic episode, the vocals creating a forcefulness that is quite impactful on a track that comes off as an update to Love's self-titled record if warped with touches of swaying Brazilian pop. This song hums and wobbles with crashes of hazy distortion and keyboard twinkles as tempos bounce and intermingle with an exotic mixture of fluid and compelling styles.
There are many breathtaking moments provided by Llobet and crew as they traverse a path into their unique and unpredictable musical universe that never fails to delight. Their ability to creatively play with melodies is quite astounding and their quietly forceful vocal approach drips with tenderness even at moments of torment. This record exudes a more mature confidence in everything it manages to impart, but Llobet's songs remain exciting journeys that develop with wonder and enchantment. Youbet have once again created a record that shows off a unique and interesting musical world that continues to grow and push boundaries in extraordinary fashion. Way to Be shows that they are a force that deserves everyone’s attention, an artist that is going to challenge and inspire awe as they continue to forge forever forward into intriguing pop examinations.