Song / Video of the Day: “Half Below” by TEPR
At RIOT, we’re always on the lookout for tracks that inspire us. The kind of song that instantly sets the vibe, gets you moving, and makes every task feel like an adventure. Well, we’ve found our latest gem: “Half Below” by TEPR. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, one that’s taken over RIOT HQ and sparked inspiration across the board. We even created our own imagery inspired by listening to it on loop because we couldn’t get enough!
A Song to Work (and Dance) To
“Half Below” is one of those tracks that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. The moment it starts, it’s impossible not to jive with it. Your foot taps, your shoulders sway, and suddenly the day feels brighter. The song’s progressive nature keeps it engaging from start to finish, evolving in ways that make every listen feel like the first time. The energy builds effortlessly, taking you on a journey through glitchy beats, intricate melodies, and those hypnotic, repetitive male vocals that seem to shift meaning the more you hear them.
TEPR’s use of instrumentation is masterful, filling every corner of the spectrum. From tight percussion and a warm wood block to one of the most satisfying dance synths we’ve heard in ages, every element feels purposeful and perfectly placed. It’s a track you can’t help but put on repeat, each listen uncovering new layers of brilliance.
Fall in Love with the Song First
Before you dive into the video, we recommend letting the song sink in. The full version of “Half Below” runs for 5:55, offering a far more progressive and immersive experience compared to the video’s shorter 2:14 runtime. The extended middle section takes you to darker, more experimental spaces, with unexpected note choices that are as weird as they are mesmerizing. There’s even a moment in the buildup that feels like a subtle nod to Snap!’s “The Power”, just before it drops into a dance chorus that feels straight out of the 90s. It’s euphoric, nostalgic, and futuristic all at once.
Listen to the song on SoundCloud or Spotify and let it take hold of you. Trust us—you’ll struggle not to hit repeat when it ends.
A Video That Packs a Punch
Once you’ve fallen for the song, the video is the icing on the cake. Directed by ELMØ, with art direction by Birdy and animation by Phong Luong, the visuals are just as bold and captivating as the music. Despite its shorter runtime, the video packs an enormous punch with unique, inspiring visuals that are equal parts surreal and funny. Our favorite moment? The scene where a skeleton assembles his bones like instruments—it’s clever, quirky, and completely unexpected.
The animation perfectly complements the track’s vibrant energy, adding an entirely new dimension to an already incredible song. While the video skips over some of the song’s deeper moments, it delivers an experience that feels just as memorable and unique.
Why “Half Below” Is a RIOT Favorite
At RIOT, we’re all about finding inspiration in unexpected places, and “Half Below” by TEPR has become a cornerstone of our creative playlists. It’s a song that energizes us, a video that makes us smile, and an example of how music and visuals can come together to create something truly unforgettable. From its intricate musicality to its striking visuals, it’s the kind of project that reminds us why we’re passionate about what we do.
If you haven’t already, we recommend diving into both the song and the video. Start with the full-length track to experience its layered brilliance, then enjoy the video for a condensed burst of creativity. You can watch the video here.
So, go ahead, hit play, and let “Half Below” take you on a journey. It’s a track you’ll come back to again and again, and we’re sure it’ll inspire you just as much as it has us.
