Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically. Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Seattle Times club listings for abundant source material!

What could be better than a holiday weekend with summerlike weather? How about a holiday weekend with summerlike weather that begins with the Dead Bars release show for their album Dream Gig? (I was the 50-something woman in a hat sitting by the doors at Barboza, singing along to “Earplug Girl” and “D-line to the Streamline.”) Also great to finally hear Ramona before they leave town, as well as Beverly Crusher and BOAT. As if that weren’t enough . . . band names!

The Birthday Massacre

Anyone who has seen what a 1-year-old can do to a birthday cake knows what this is about.

Bummer

Wrong

I might have considered either of these alone, but finding them on the same bill put them over the top. Two negatives create a positive time.

Sour Mash Hug Band

I suspect this name arose from the most endearing typo.

TV Broken 3rd Eye Open

The mundane leads directly to the psychedelic.