Now or Never-Live in 1992

Now or Never still gets my vote for best punk band to ever emerge from the Ozarks, period. Although they were only around from circa 1989-1992, they influenced a whole city’s music scene, and helped to keep a lot of kids off of drugs through their forceful anti-dope lyrics (this is back when straight edge was still a punk thing, before it became known as a subculture filled with Hare Kristinas and jocks). Dave (the band’s energetic frontman) also ran the Commercial Street club, Springfield’s only punk venue at the time. This meant that NON got to open for some pretty big punk acts, many of which got blown off the stage by these local unknowns. They released one demo tape, as well as this live recording, made at their last show. Dave’s astute lyrics captured many of the punk scene’s problems, such as backbiting (“Rumors”) and the tendency of straight edgers to lose their edge when they turn 21 (Seven Year Itch”). Coupled with the band’s tight rhythm section and double-guitar assault, the recording makes for an intense listening experience.

1.Shut the Door
2. Changes
3. Now or Never
4. Self Respect
5. Lies
6. Living Hell
7. Orphan Child
8. Before it Ends
9. Stagnation
10. Git-n-Go
11. Never Rest
12. Rumors
13. Wall of Voices
14. Expectations
15. Time to Change
16. Seven Year Itch


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