10 trippy music videos – a look behind the scenes with the great new single from RULE OF TWO

When you delve into the creative core RULE OF TWOpeeling away layers of sonic influences and raw emotions that reveal a complex and fascinating inner world. Her latest single, “peeling”, is no exception. With its melancholic synthpop vibe, this track shows a masterful mix of darkwave and 80s nostalgiaInspired by the likes of The Cure and Drab Majesty, but without hesitation in crossing genre boundaries. They've really done it – they've managed to combine great dynamics into a danceable track full of atmosphere. It has a mood that's easy to get into, with an energy that's just on point.

“peelingis also an exploration of the human psyche, metaphorically comparing the mind to an onion.

As the layers are peeled away, the listener is drawn deeper into the complexity and strangeness that lies within, and is confronted with the hidden truths and emotions that often remain beneath the surface.

The accompanying music video, which premieres today, reflects this theme visually with haunting imagery that complements the song's lyrical depth.

Shot with a minimalist yet impactful aesthetic, it reflects the process of peeling away outer facades and revealing the vulnerability and secrets that lie beneath. This video is a testament to the duo's ability to create not just music, but a complete audiovisual experience that resonates on multiple levels.

RULE OF TWO, consisting of Ronny Flissundet (vocals, lyrics, guitars, synthesizers) and Kristian Liljan (bass, beats, loops, mix/production), have their roots in the punk, hardcore and rock scene. The two met in 1997 at a music school outside Trondheim, Norway. and have been working together ever since. Along the way, they have evolved from rock band veterans in groups like Dunderbeist and Damokles to pioneers of a new sound that combines electronic elements with the raw energy of their past.

Her debut track “Past times“” marked a new chapter for the duo, and since then they've written and recorded over 30 songs, working tirelessly in their home studios. The first EP, Drowning, released in June 2024, summarized their previous singles and showcased their ability to fuse '80s and '90s dream pop, darkwave, and electronica into something entirely their own. Now, as they prepare to release their second EP in January 2025, “Peeling” is a bold statement of what's to come.

But RULE OF TWO It's not just about their own music.

Their influences are profound and they have curated a list of 10 trippy music videos that inspired them on some level – be it the eerie glitch of Aphex Twin’s “Come to Daddy,” the timeless storytelling of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” or the pure, dark energy of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”

Aphex Twin – Come to Daddy

One of the most disturbing and twisted music videos out there. Fantastic production with a jerky, horror-like story and image, plus a weird and cool electronic/dance track from the brilliant Aphex Twin.

Massive Attack – Teardrop

Beautiful and quirky video that really made an impression when it was released as part of the fantastic UK trip hop era of the mid 90s.

Beastie Boys – Sabotage

Oh come on, what's not to love?? I adore the Beastie Boys, especially at the time of “Ill Communication”. Rooted in punk rock and hardcore, with a lot of humor and aesthetics and of course that timeless and super cool bassline.
They must have had so much fun making this 70's spy movie parody video!

Radiohead – Just

A really fascinating video about this random man who just lay down in the middle of the street for no reason and set off a chain reaction of events. Also really fascinating to watch the weird and nervous Thom Yorke in action. I love Radiohead!

Childish Gambino – This is America

I'm not a huge fan of the song itself, but the video is really something special. Violence, murder, satirical messages and great choreography in this seemingly one-off video featuring the lovable oddball Childish Gambino.

DAMOCLES — swing, pendulum, swing

Had to insert a video of our other band Damokles here, sorry. BUT I love this song, the title track of our latest album from last year. We filmed everything in this abandoned, totally trashed villa in the posh area of ​​Oslo. Gøran (singer of Damokles) makes amazing and crazy videos. And yes, that's me (Ronny, singer of Rule Of Two etc.) in the green screen suit.

a-ha – Take On Me

One of the great classic MTV Prime hits and videos. Especially if you're Norwegian like us. But the song is an 80s synthpop masterpiece. And the video was, as far as we know, the first (known?) to use this kind of technology in a music video.
Pretty iconic.

Portishead – Only You

Another one of the biggest heroes of trip hop, Portishead, a band that really influenced us musically. Their sound is so unique and also their videos really give off this trippy vibe, like in this little weird thing.

Billie Eilish – Villain

I love the sound of Billie, one of the most inspiring songs to come out of pop in years. The video is fascinating, quirky and entertaining. It has an addictive vibe that is really hard to describe.

Devo – Whip It

The kings of craziness! Devo are SO much fun, just watch this video, the awkwardness of these nerdy post-punk/synthpop heroes from MTV's best 80s. I saw them live last summer and it was an absolutely mind blowing experience!