Somethings Gotta Give

Their first recording for '90s punk mega-label Epitaph, Something's Gotta Give began a second comeback of sorts for New York hardcore veterans Agnostic Front. After too many long, ill-timed periods of inactivity due to legal and personal struggles, and a controversial metallic phase, the band's relevance had withered considerably by the time of this 1998 release. But there still existed enough interest from purists, musicians, and younger fans -- all appreciative of Agnostic Front's NYHC innovations, and unconcerned with the subsequent stylistic shifts -- to warrant this attempted resurrection of their early-career sound. The songs are fast, simple, and loaded with politically confrontational lyrics. This formula works best on the opening title track, as well as other standouts like "Today, Tomorrow, Forever"; "Do or Die"; and "Gotta Go." Their finest disc in years, Something's Gotta Give might not have broken any musical barriers, but the record helped to solidify Agnostic Front's position among the punk rock elite. ~ Vincent Jeffries