'Necessity of Rebellion' was recorded from March 2020 through October 2021, (the Covid years,) and is the ninth studio album by Potbelly and their 111th official release if you count all the seven-inch vinyl releases that they've been a part of. This record is a direct result of a lot of obstacles that began in February of 2020 when they had to let go of their touring drummer. Boner, as he was known at the time, was released from his post after no longer having the ability to tour. His replacement, Jeff Thayer, also had a long history with the band. He was and still is their classic line-up and recording drummer. Jeff who had taken a five-year sabbatical was ecstatic to get back in the fold. Unfortunately, Jeff had only participated in a handful of shows when the Coronavirus suddenly shut down the world. Potbelly had to cancel three tours. One at home in the United States, another in Europe for their first time, and lastly in Indonesia where they have a massive fan base and would be touring with one of Indonesia's most popular bands, Marjinal. It was entirely frustrating; the band was extremely disappointed. But, as resilient as they are, they chose not to sit at home smoking marijuana but instead opted to focus on this new album.

'Necessity of Rebellion' showcases Potbelly's diversity as writers combining both complex metal and classical riffs that infiltrate their hardcore punk songs. The lyrics tackle social issues that deal with the current climate of race relations in the United States, the horrors of America's two-party filibuster political system, the hope of dismantling the Hitler-like Trump administration, personal conflicts with drug addiction, and a general 'fuck you' to the powers that be. "The Thing with That" tackles environmental issues. Kendra Carson of Boxcutter PNW guests on "Pitter Patter" and "You and I" features ex-Potbelly member Jozet Clark, who spent time with the band in 1997. "Necessary Actions" employs the more dynamic metal version of the band, while songs like "The Great Divide" showcase the punk rock sing-along anthems that Potbelly fans have grown accustomed to. Time Travel is also a regular occurrence for Potbelly fanatics, so the group went way back to 1995 to record an old song that never saw the light. The intro, "Potbelly Sux," combines punk and metal punk with a disco beat, a one of kind achievement. In conclusion, one cannot hype this record without mentioning the award-winning cover art by Steve Millage, fabulous!