Drum Sheet – Cigarettes After Sex – Apocalypse

Released on March 21, 2017 as the second single from their debut album Cigarettes After Sex, “Apocalypse” was written and produced by frontman Greg Gonzalez. Despite its understated arrangement, the track resonated deeply—going viral years later thanks to TikTok, and accumulating over 1.9 billion streams on Spotify as of August 2025.

Gonzalez channeled a deeply personal muse: friends he left behind in their hometown, locked in place despite lofty ambitions, while he traveled to pursue his own path. “Apocalypse” became an affectionate ode to feeling isolated, yet committed—an invitation to stay connected even when alone.

While Cigarettes After Sex is known for lava-like vocals and shimmering soundscapes, Jacob Tomsky’s drumming deserves special tribute. His approach embodies the band’s ethos: minimal, ambient, and emotionally present. On “Apocalypse,” the drums don’t announce themselves; they gently breathe beneath the melody, providing rhythmic grounding with soft precision. For a slowcore fan, it’s a method in mystery—crafted groove that shapes mood more than meter.

Though not flashy, the rhythm allows the song’s cinematic tension to swell—mirroring the emotional gravitational pull of the lyrics.

Performances of “Apocalypse” emphasize atmosphere over spectacle. Their KEXP studio rendition in September 2017 showcases the band playing in dim light, where Tomsky’s drumming is felt as much as heard. Reviews of their O2 London shows note the rhythm section’s role in crafting moody, film-noir staged experiences.

For drummers, “Apocalypse” is a masterclass in emotional restraint. The track proves that the strongest rhythms don’t always march—they whisper. It’s a song where the beat doesn’t just accompany—it adds weight, intimacy, and a quiet heartbeat to the emotional narrative.