Bad Copy

After nearly a decade-long hiatus, San Jose’s The Albert Square has returned with a brand new, four song EP entitled Swallow You Whole. The new album balances emotional vulnerability with a punch of punk-leaning indie rock, marking a powerful evolution for songwriting Sim Castro.

Swallow You Whole explores the psychological toll of repeated trauma and the light that eventually breaks through. From the haunting opener “Deep Sea Diver” to the cathartic closer and lead single “Waiting for the Heartache to Heal,” Swallow You Whole is an unflinching examination of grief, healing, and acceptance.

Originally formed in the heart of San Jose’s DIY scene, The Albert Square began as a three-piece led by Castro. After the 2015 debut I (Assume I) Know What I’m Doing, he stepped away to join projects like Kitty Kat Fan Club, Ogikubo Station, Cloudbusters, and Teens in Trouble, developing his craft onstage and in the studio. Now, with Swallow You Whole, Castro reclaims his voice with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.

Castro shared the following about the new release:

“While the feelings of trauma captured on this record isn’t a reminder of a particularly pleasant time in my life, writing these songs was such an important piece of the recovery process for me,” said Castro. “And I, without a doubt, couldn’t have gotten through that time without the help of my dear friends, especially the ones that helped make this record. The hope is that it resonates with anyone dealing with some true heartache and maybe they feel a little less alone  for a few minutes… or maybe they just wanna listen to a ripper. I don’t know. There’s something for everyone on here.”

Stream Swallow You Whole now on all major streaming platforms and grab your vinyl from Sneak Dog Records!