Ocean County's Meteor Police have never seemed particularly interested in choosing between opposites. Their music can be abrasive and danceable, sarcastic and sincere, strange and unexpectedly heartfelt—all at once. With their new album Death Is So Permanent, the post-punk band continues to embrace that tension while drawing from the anything-goes spirit of New Jersey’s underground music scene. Following lineup changes that ultimately brought bassist Bill Pompeo back into the fold, the band has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to simply follow the songs wherever they lead. We spoke with Meteor Police about humor, sincerity, New Jersey, alienation, live performance, and why they hope their new record leaves listeners thoroughly confused.