"Ratstar”, the second single from Fish Hook Smile’s upcoming self-titled album, out August 20th via Glory or Death Records
On August 20, Fish Hook Smile returns with their second single, “Ratstar” - a track that refuses to look away from one of the harshest realities of our time: the humanitarian crisis of homelessness.
The single is part of the band’s forthcoming self-titled album, due out on September 5.
“‘Ratstar’ dives into the merciless world of homelessness, told through the eyes of someone society chooses not to see. It's a visceral cry for recognition and connection — a reminder that all of us are only one or two strokes of bad luck away from living the same fate.” - Fish Hook Smile
Built on suffocating atmosphere and unflinching lyrics, “Ratstar” captures the weight of marginalization — the empty pockets, the systemic neglect, the fight to maintain dignity. Sonically, the track delivers sharp distortion, a throbbing low end, and vocals that shift between anguish and restrained fury.
The track paints a bleak, brutally honest portrait of homelessness, told from the eyes of someone long ignored by society. With gritty textures and lyrics that ache with lived experience, “Ratstar” demands empathy - and warns how fragile the line is between stability and collapse.
This is not just a political message. It’s a deeply human one - one that demands to be heard.
Fish Hook Smile was a St. Louis band that was originally formed in 1991 by Jason Busiek, Dan Policarpo(guitar) and Ken McCray(drums). In the Summer of 1991, Misha Avrushenko, Matt Lake and Bryan Pollard joined the band. Although he wasn't originally in the band, Matt Pekny was at damn near every practice and show in the 90’s and was a natural fit for 2nd guitar. These songs were written by Jason Busiek, Matt Lake, Misha Avrushenko, Bryan Pollard and Dan Policarpo. Although Dan is not on the recording, he was a major player in the formation, writing and the overall honing of this sound and we are forever grateful for his contributions
Decades later, members of the original lineup reunited, unearthing unreleased material and channeling the same urgency that defined their early years. Now spread across different cities but still driven by a shared creative fire, Fish Hook Smile returns with renewed purpose and sharpened vision.
This year, 2025, they joined forces with Glory or Death Records to release their long-awaited self-titled debut album digitally. Slated for release on September 5, the record is preceded by two blistering singles: “Shiver” and “Ratstar” - with lyrical manifestos confronting authoritarianism and the brutal realities of social invisibility.
Fish Hook Smile is not just a comeback. It’s a scream that never died.
Listen to the Track Now:
https://www.instagram.com/fish_hook_smile
https://youtube.com/@fishhooksmile
https://fishhooksmile.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576620613811&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Thanks to Glory Or Death Records for the details.
