New Jersey post-punk outfit Meteor Police have announced their sophomore album, Death Is So Permanent, arriving August 28 via Mint 400 Records. The announcement is accompanied by the release of the album’s closing track, “Unwanted In July,” offering listeners an early glimpse into the band’s evolving sound.
Often describing themselves as “post something,” Meteor Police occupy a space between post-punk, ’90s post-hardcore, indie rock, and melodic punk. Rather than settling into a single genre, the quartet embraces influences from across the underground, creating songs that balance angular guitar work, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged lyricism.
“Unwanted In July” traces its origins to a 24-hour songwriting competition held in 2024, where the band’s assigned theme was summer. Although initially left unfinished following the contest, the song was revisited the following year, expanded with new lyrics, and enhanced by guest trumpet performances from Joe Gullace. The result is a nostalgic reflection on growing up in suburban New Jersey’s punk scene, exploring youthful confidence, alienation, and the complicated memories that accompany adolescence.
Meteor Police features Shawn Clancy (vocals), Dustin Schoonmaker (guitar), Bill Pompeo (bass), and Justin Wright (drums). Clancy and Pompeo previously performed together in the hardcore band VSSLS, while Schoonmaker and Clancy have been musical collaborators since childhood. Wright later joined the lineup after being recommended through Lakehouse Music Academy. The band’s name is borrowed from the classic adventure video game Maniac Mansion.
Each member brings a distinct musical background to the group. Their influences range from Unwound, The Blood Brothers, Deftones, and Pantera to Les Savy Fav, The Minutemen, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Thee Oh Sees. Collectively, the band points to artists such as Fugazi, Q and Not U, and Les Savy Fav as foundational inspirations, while acknowledging contemporary acts including Shame, Protomartyr, and Cheekface.
While the band’s earlier material often stretched beyond the five-minute mark and incorporated surf-rock influences, Death Is So Permanent takes a more direct approach. The new collection focuses on concise songwriting while expanding its melodic sensibilities, layered arrangements, and rhythmic urgency. Lyrically, the album continues Meteor Police’s trademark blend of irony and sarcasm while making room for more personal themes on songs including “Unwanted In July“ and “Invalid Geography.” Other tracks examine political opportunism, social division, and challenge familiar conventions often associated with traditional rock songwriting.
The album also reflects a transitional period within the band’s history. Following the departure of bassist Bill Pompeo in 2023 after completing New Type Destroyer, Matthew Pellicano joined the group and contributed to four songs before departing to focus on his solo work. Pompeo later returned, helping complete the final songs recorded for the album and rejoining the lineup before its completion.
Death Is So Permanent was recorded by Rudy Meier at Yung Bull Recording in Brick, New Jersey, and mastered by Pat Noon at Eight Sixteen Recording.
With Death Is So Permanent, Meteor Police continue building on the foundation established by their earlier releases while refining a sound that resists easy categorization. The record finds the band embracing shorter, sharper songwriting without sacrificing the complexity, energy, or underground spirit that has become central to their identity.
