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!

This may be my last post of 2021, what with Christmas falling on my usual blogging day and all. As we wrap up another chaotic year, I hope Santa brings you what you need. I offer this stockingful of carefully selected band names for your enjoyment.

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.

Hostilities
Openly naming the obstacle to peace on Earth and at many family holiday gatherings.

Moontricks
Our big bright satellite is always going through a phase of playing pranks. (I featured moon-themed band names for the entire month of October 2020–28 of them. Happy to welcome number 29 to the club.)

Saint Hussy
You never know who will turn out to be holy. God is forever choosing nobodies, losers, and outcasts to lift up the lowly and cast the mighty from their thrones.

Trash Sound Conglomerate
 I like the low-rent grandeur of what I guess is a cleverly rearranged garbage company name. Our local large body of water gifts us with so many potential band names.

The Unknowns
This one fits into one of my favorite categories, Northwest Loser Pride. “We don’t care if you haven’t heard of us. Here’s some music to bring you joy.”

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. The next one comes out in January 2022! (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)