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 and The Stranger nightlife listings for abundant source material!

Wow, week 2 of all new material! While I am not personally quite ready to go out in crowds, I am excited to see live music emerging from a long hibernation, and hope this winter doesn’t force another pause. As ever, and especially if you’re going out to shows again, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine if you haven’t already, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for even better days.

Backwhen
The perennial destination of the Wayback Machine.

The Earthlings
Once upon a time, I got curious about the root of the word “earth.” Turns out, it comes from an old, old word meaning “soil.” The word “human” comes from the same root as “humus”–again, soil. We humans are dirt people. We are earthlings.

God Awful
If God is good, how awful can this be? (There are at least 3 bands using this name. This iteration appears to be a one-off for a specific event, but it got my attention.)

Medium Build
The main character of my garage-rock fairy tale The Gospel According to St. Rage describes herself as “a medium size white girl with medium-length medium-brown hair.” She starts the book invisible. But when the average and ordinary start to make some noise, watch out!

You Said Strange
I want to hear the conversation before and after this … objection? Delighted exclamation? How far beyond strange did the situation go, and was it good strange or the other kind?

Two last things before you go:

1. I am admin for The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
2. I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the first eleven issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)