Bad Self Portraits announce the release of their bold new album ‘I Think I’m Going to Hell,’ a record that trades irony for intensity and detachment for emotional clarity. The Calgary-based band — featuring Ingrid Howell, Cole Kempcke, Connor Paintin, and Jesse White — has crafted a project that feels both intimate and unflinching. From the opening moments of “Pensive,” listeners are drawn into a sound that is confessional, deliberate, and entirely arresting.
Lead singer and songwriter Ingrid Howell writes with fearless precision, cutting to the heart of vulnerability and transformation. Her lyrics anchor a band that knows exactly how to build tension and when to let go, creating a dynamic musical landscape that oscillates between catharsis and quiet reflection. ‘I Think I’m Going to Hell’ captures the weight of self-reckoning and renewal without ever losing its melodic power.
At its core, the album explores Howell’s relationship with her religious upbringing and the complex intersections between love, pain, and personal identity. Tracks like “All Bark No Bite” embody this tension perfectly — lush, layered, and lyrically bracing. It’s a record that demands presence and rewards deep listening, confronting the spaces where belief and doubt blur into something raw and real.
In a move that mirrors their commitment to intentional artistry, Bad Self Portraits are releasing the album through Buy Before You Stream, an initiative encouraging fans to purchase vinyl before digital release. The choice underscores the band’s belief in music as a tactile, personal experience. ‘I Think I’m Going to Hell’ isn’t made for playlists — it’s made for full attention, quiet rooms, and a turntable spinning something that feels like truth.