Apocalypse

The harmony of 'Apocalypse' is a masterclass in slowcore minimalism. Its distinctiveness lies in the specific use of the iii chord (Am). While many pop songs use a I-V-vi-IV progression, Cigarettes After Sex utilizes the iii chord to bridge the tonic and the predominant. This choice creates a 'hazy' and 'breathless' quality because the iii chord shares two notes with the I chord (A and C), making the transition feel like a sigh rather than a movement. The lack of complex modulations or non-diatonic chords allows the focus to remain on the reverb-heavy texture and Greg Gonzalez's vocal delivery.

Greg Gonzalez wrote 'Apocalypse' as a reflection on the emotional 'baggage' and trauma individuals carry from past relationships into new ones. The lyrics serve as an invitation for a partner to stop hiding their past pain and to let their personal 'apocalypse' happen so they can move forward together.

As the standout track from their 2017 self-titled debut, 'Apocalypse' solidified Cigarettes After Sex as leaders of the modern slowcore revival. The song combines cinematic production with Greg Gonzalez's distinct androgynous vocals to create an intimate, atmospheric experience that has become a viral cornerstone of indie-pop.