It’s not really post-apocalyptic if there isn’t somebody strumming some beat up guitar to the rest of the camp. No matter what you watch, whenever those hopeless survivors move down the highway theres always a needledrop that captures the tone and your ear. Thats definitely one thing that films and tv have taught me, the importance of a proper tune when stuck in the middle of the apocalypse. Whether it’s those endless walks down derelict city streets or crashing through the horde smashing skulls left, right and centre, theres usually a tune to fit it.
Since getting sucked into the likes of The Last of Us, Battery, Zombies Run and most things Max Brooks, I’ve accrued a decent collection of songs I’d want on hand when cemeteries start opening up. Heres a few of em for the long drive, breaks from being on your feet or warming up for The Walking Dead tonight.
Gravel Road – Clutch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8ZFlGJkyt0
It’s not an apocalypse playlist without that rough southern tune ringing through. Clutch keep this going the whole way through with that rusty guitar riff and throw some modern twists on top. Progressing into rock territory while keeping that steady bluesy groove. It’s hard going and infectious and brings out everyone’s zombie killing side.
If you liked this, check out: The Regulator – Clutch.
Barton Hollow –The Civil Wars
I’m a sucker for songs as steady as a metronome that’ll pull at your heart. Blending comely harmonies from both vocalists with that rugged guitar throughout makes for a song that you can picture almost any apocalypse crew setting out on the road to. This song really speaks for itself.
Hallelujah – Fuzz and Swamp
Coarse and bluesy throughout with that vague southerness similar to Gravel Road. Gruff and solid from start to finish. Keeping it simple and constant throughout with few dynamic changes, Hallelujah shows off that all you need to make a gritty end of the world ballad is a couple of guitars and singing voice that might’ve seen too much whiskey and the like.
I’ll Move Mountains – Roo Panes
A softer, smoother ballad with that reliable guitar throughout, though not as abrasive. Sliding in strings and a distinct and gentle voice with cries that catch me every time. There isn’t a campfire that wouldn’t wind down to this.
In The Summer – Gerard and the Watchmen
Steady and swaying with an ensemble and vibe that’ll envelope you and leave you as quickly as it came. It moves slow and crawls up on you like the sun and brings this enticing beat with it. Wonderfully arranged with everything moving together for a short, simple reprieve
Lead Me Home – Jamie N Commons
A classic featured on The Walking Dead soundtrack. If you were to show someone what the tone of any post-apocalypse camp would be, this would clinch it. It’s just some words and a guitar, but its powerful and gripping and what any return home would be accompanied by.
What are some of the tracks you’d keep close for the end of the world?
