Adrenalin O.D.

Adrenalin O.D. was an American hardcore punk band hailing from New Jersey, active from 1981 to 1990. Known for their fast-paced music combined with humorous lyrics, the band left a lasting impact on the punk scene with their energetic performances and satirical take on suburban life.

History

Formation and Early Years

Adrenalin O.D. (often abbreviated as A.O.D.) formed in October 1981, rising from the ashes of the late 1970s punk band The East Paterson Boys Choir. They quickly gained attention with their first recordings, which appeared on the widely distributed New York Thrash cassette compilation released by ROIR in 1982. This compilation also featured early tracks by bands like the Beastie Boys and Bad Brains. A.O.D.’s track “Paul’s Not Home” became a college radio hit, setting the tone for their blend of rapid-fire punk with a comedic edge.

Let’s Barbeque and the Rise of Buy Our Records

Their first vinyl release, the six-song EP Let’s Barbeque, was recorded in a single 15-minute studio session due to budget constraints and released on their own label, Buy Our Records. Despite these limitations, the EP helped establish Buy Our Records as one of New Jersey’s most significant indie punk labels, launching the careers of several other punk bands.

Albums and Success

Adrenalin O.D.’s first full-length album, The Wacky Hijinks of Adrenalin O.D., showcased their trademark style: fast, frenetic punk with sarcastic lyrics that lampooned suburban life. Songs like “Middle Aged Whore,” “Trans Am,” and “Rock n’ Roll Gas Station” became fan favorites. The album also featured a hidden backmasked track, which humorously revealed the band members chanting positive messages when played in reverse.

Their follow-up album, HumungousFungusAmongus, included some of the fastest hardcore tracks ever recorded. Despite interest from major metal labels, the band maintained their punk identity, refusing to be marketed solely to thrash metal fans.

Cruising With Elvis and the Shift in Style

With their third album, Cruising With Elvis in Bigfoot’s UFO, Adrenalin O.D. collaborated with producer Daniel Rey to create a more melodic punk sound. The album featured tracks like “Bulimic Food Fight” and “My Mother Can’t Drive,” earning praise from publications like Stereo Review and Decibel Magazine for its humor.

The band’s final album, Ishtar, produced by Andy Shernoff of The Dictators, marked the end of their momentum. Released on Restless/Enigma Records, Ishtar suffered from budget overruns and was only available for a short time before the label folded.

Influence and Legacy

Adrenalin O.D. influenced numerous bands, including NOFX, Anthrax, Screeching Weasel, Bouncing Souls, and Municipal Waste. Their blend of fast punk and humor set them apart in the hardcore scene, and their live shows were known for their improvisational comedy as much as their music.

Post-Breakup

After disbanding in 1990, members of Adrenalin O.D. pursued various musical projects. Paul Richard and Jack Steeples joined The Kowalskis, while Bruce Wingate and Wayne Garcia formed the band Bruce Wayne. Other members, like Jim Foster and Dave Scott, continued to play in different bands or manage musical acts.

The band has reunited several times, including a benefit for CBGB’s in 2005 and for the recording of a short track for the Short Music For Short People compilation in 1999. In 2022, they reunited again to celebrate the release of a book chronicling their history.

Members

Original Line-up

• Paul Richard – guitar, vocals (1981–1990, 1999, 2005, 2007)
• Jim Foster – guitar (1981–1983)
• Jack Steeples – bass guitar (1981–1986, 1999, 2005, 2007)
• Dave Scott (Schwartzman) – drums (1981–1990, 1999, 2005, 2007)

Later Members

• Bruce Wingate – guitar (1984–1990, 1999, 2005, 2007)
• Keith Hartel – bass (1987–1989)
• Ed Leo – drums (exact timeline unknown)
• Wayne Garcia – bass guitar (1989–1990)

Discography

Albums

• The Wacky Hi-Jinks of Adrenalin O.D. (1984)
• HumungousFungusAmongus (1986)
• Cruising With Elvis in Bigfoot’s UFO (1988)
• Ishtar (1990)
• Phat and Old Live On WFMU (1996)

Singles/EPs

• Let’s Barbeque E.P. (1983)
• Caught in the Act (split 7″ with Bedlam, 1984)
• Nice Song in the Key of D (1986)
• The Band That Wouldn’t Leave EP (1986)
• Theme From an Imaginary Midget Western (1988)
• Sentimental Abuse (1996)

Compilation Albums

• Sittin’ Pretty (1995)
• A.O.D. Themes – rare and unreleased demos 1981–1982 (2001)

Compilation Appearances

• New York Thrash (1981)
• New Jersey’s Got It? (1985)
• Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 3 (1987)
• Short Music For Short People (1999)