The Purple Helmets Are Back: “Criminal of Love” and the Art of Timeless Indie Rock
Nova Scotia’s own The Purple Helmets (TPH) are set to redefine the indie rock landscape with their highly anticipated new single, “Criminal of Love,” an irresistible track that exemplifies their mastery of melodic hooks and unforgettable earworms. As former EMI artists, TPH have a storied history of crafting clean, indie rock anthems. Now, with their latest record produced at Ironshore Studios in the Cayman Islands, they’re taking their sound to thrilling new heights. The band’s collaboration with producer Paul Suarez, a protégé of the legendary Andy Wallace, has created what might just be the finest album to emerge from Canada in 2025.
Suarez’s resume reads like a hall of fame for modern rock, having worked with heavyweights such as Blink-182, Biffy Clyro, Linkin Park, Gojira, Korn, and Guns N’ Roses. His ability to channel the energy of hard rock and blend it seamlessly with TPH’s penchant for polished power-pop hooks has resulted in a sonic masterpiece. The album, titled ‘Weirdo Squad’, is a 10-track showcase of sophisticated songwriting and studio brilliance, destined to become a landmark in Canadian music history.
Leading the charge is “Criminal of Love,” a track that simultaneously feels like a love letter to the 80s and a bold step forward for indie rock. Drawing inspiration from the shimmering melodies of The Outfield’s “Your Love” and the iconic stylings of David Bowie, Tears for Fears, and Duran Duran, TPH have crafted a modern anthem that nods to its influences without becoming a pastiche. The result? A track as nostalgic as it is innovative.
“Criminal of Love” opens with a lush, ambient introduction that immediately draws listeners into its immersive soundscape. The hazy yet vibrant atmosphere is steeped in shoegaze tendencies, while the jangling guitars, resonating basslines, and organically driven drums provide a solid indie rock foundation. Piercing, angular guitar riffs juxtapose bright, uptempo melodies, creating a soundscape that is as textured as it is exhilarating.
One of the standout features of “Criminal of Love” is its vocal performance. Confident and expressive, the vocals cut through the atmospheric instrumentation with clarity and purpose. They provide a striking counterpoint to the swirling guitars, their high-flying tones soaring above the mix and adding an emotional resonance that elevates the track.
The production on “Criminal of Love” is a masterclass in balance. Suarez’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every element shines, from the crispness of the percussion to the warmth of the basslines. The track manages to feel both expansive and intimate, a rare feat that speaks to the band’s ability to craft music that connects on multiple levels.
The influences may be familiar, but TPH’s approach is anything but derivative. The track’s modern indie pop sensibilities call to mind acts like Mother Mother, Wintersleep, Sloan, Metric, and Death From Above 1979, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary edge.
With the January 17, 2025 release of *Weirdo Squad*, The Purple Helmets are poised to cement their status as one of the premier indie rock acts of their generation. The album’s other singles, including the hauntingly beautiful “Highway 17,” showcase the band’s range and versatility. Drawing from early R.E.M. and Tom Waits while layering Americana alt-country influences from The Jayhawks, Blue Rodeo, and Wilco, “Highway 17” is a song of lost souls seeking redemption—a theme that resonates deeply with listeners.
The Purple Helmets have always been adept at walking the fine line between radio-friendly pop and counterculture edge. Their ability to write perfect pop songs while maintaining an undeniable indie rock authenticity is unparalleled. ‘Weirdo Squad’ promises to be their magnum opus, a record that will undoubtedly find its way onto countless playlists and into the hearts of fans worldwide.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into The Purple Helmets’ catalog. With “Criminal of Love,” they’ve delivered a track that captures the spirit of indie rock while pushing the boundaries of what the genre can achieve. This is music that demands to be heard—a timeless anthem for a modern audience. Stay tuned, because The Purple Helmets are about to take the world by storm.
