Upcoming Releases

ME. have announced their debut album All Good Things, set for independent release on July 24, 2026. The announcement follows the release of their first single, “Special,” which introduces the band’s sound and creative direction.

“Special” originated during an early writing phase led by drummer Mark O’Connell and guitarist Eddie Reyes, formerly of Taking Back Sunday. The track was initially part of an open vocal submission process, before Chicago-based vocalist and guitarist Mike Jansen joined the project.

According to O’Connell, the song reflects themes of reflection and accountability. “It’s about that feeling of losing something you can’t get back and trying to make sense of how it got there,” he said. “There’s frustration in it, but there’s also a lot of self-awareness. It’s not just pointing outward—it’s also looking inward.”

Jansen contributed vocals, melody, and lyrics to the instrumental without direct guidance on the band’s background. “There was no pressure at all,” he said. “I didn’t even know if they would hear it. I just wrote lyrics to the instrumental because it felt right.” O’Connell described the response as immediate, noting that Jansen’s contribution aligned with the direction of the project.

ME. consists of O’Connell (drums), Reyes (guitar), Jansen (vocals and guitar), and bassist Neal Amiruddin. O’Connell and Reyes reconnected after nearly a decade apart following their time in Taking Back Sunday, describing the collaboration as based on personal timing rather than a formal reunion.

“We’re not trying to recreate anything,” O’Connell said. “We’ve already done that. This was about building something that works for who we are now.” Reyes added, “We are not the same guys we were 25 years ago. This is about growth. It’s about creating something new.”

Prior to Jansen joining, O’Connell and Reyes wrote and recorded nine instrumental tracks as a foundation for the project. The addition of Jansen’s vocals helped shape the material into full songs, according to the band. Bassist Neal Amiruddin later joined the lineup, completing the group. Reyes described his involvement as a stabilizing presence within the band.

ME.’s debut album All Good Things will be released independently on July 24, 2026.

All Good Things track listing:

1. An Introduction
2. Bloodsport
3. Grown Man
4. Special
5. Violent People
6. Nuzzo
7. Big Smiles
8. Sun Poison
9. Soap Bar
10. The Astronaut Show
11. This Is What It Feels Like To Be Normal