[1] It is seemingly inspired by the surf rock songs of the 1960s, but with ghostly moans and lyrics on the state of the world.

The title refers to gamma rays, biologically hazardous energy emitted by radioactive decay.

Despite its up-tempo beat, the song lyrics invoke nihilistic or apocalyptic themes, including melting ice caps, boredom, burning houses, crowns of thorns, and natural disasters.

[3][4] The song is included as a playable track in the video game Guitar Hero 5 and was used in Tony Hawk: Ride.

The first version of the music video, directed by Jess Holzworth, features actress and style icon Chloë Sevigny.