TEP NO QUESTIONS SOCIETAL NORMS WITH NEW SINGLE “MALIBU BURNING”

Canadian artist Tep No hits the nail on the head with social commentary. His acute eye and ear for curious ways of modern men shines through his latest effort, a vibey yet introspective single called “Malibu Burning.” Though not about the recent LA wildfires, this single discusses a different kind of societal meltdown.

It may be a quintessential indie jam, but Tep No has a lot of punk ideology within his lyricism. He is directly protesting something that is seen as “normal,” commenting on the objectification of women and the brain rot of men who objectify them…and he does it so politely. He doesn’t shame the women who make the content, but rather, the men who are addicted to it.

Sonically, the track is stunning. He utilizes a “live” feeling, perhaps to add to the metaphorical elements of the song by emphasizing real connections beyond screen time. Or maybe Tep No just did it that way because it sounded cool.

Either way, “Malibu Burning” is delicious social commentary. Tep No isn’t white knighting himself; the lyrics insinuate that he is just as susceptible to falling into this trap as any other man. His willingness to accept reality and question his alignment within these ultimately toxic structures separates him, though.