The article mentions Tim Schaefer having to tell people repeatedly that the game's setting isn't actually post-apocalyptic. I bet that song is the single reason why people assumed it was (it certainly was for me).
The song sets up the mood for sure, but I think there is a bit more to it.
The town where you (as a player) happen to crash doesn't seem to be fully populated. Maureen drops a line about people leaving, but doesn't clarify why, leaving you with assumptions. Wandering around the town you hear that song you've mentioned, that's a big one for sure. A bit later, you have to ride across a desert which isn't exactly post-apocalyptic by itself, but does radiate a certain vibe - the color palette is rather peculiar. And then you meet that cave-dwelling Cavefish biker gang which certainly doesn't help with brushing off (fairly established at this point) post-apocalyptic feel :)
The town where you (as a player) happen to crash doesn't seem to be fully populated. Maureen drops a line about people leaving, but doesn't clarify why, leaving you with assumptions. Wandering around the town you hear that song you've mentioned, that's a big one for sure. A bit later, you have to ride across a desert which isn't exactly post-apocalyptic by itself, but does radiate a certain vibe - the color palette is rather peculiar. And then you meet that cave-dwelling Cavefish biker gang which certainly doesn't help with brushing off (fairly established at this point) post-apocalyptic feel :)