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!

When I was young, I wished I lived in more interesting times. Now that I’m old enough to know better, that wish just keeps coming true. I have to keep my eyes open for signs of hope: COVID numbers improving, ordinary people resisting tyranny and aggression, birds and bulbs insisting spring will come, and musicians collaborating and coming up with clever names for their projects. All things to celebrate!

As ever, and especially if you’re going out to shows again, wash your hands, wear your mask awhile longer even if you don’t have to, get your vaccine and booster if you haven’t already, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch to encourage them as we look forward to less interesting times. And … hit the follow button (toward the bottom of the menu) and never miss a post!

The Feelings Parade
Hard to know how to feel these days. If only all the emotions would line up and march out in orderly fashion.

Iglooghost
A new literary genre: Polar Gothic.

The Other Favorites
When asked to name my favorite book, movie, song, etc. I can never stick with just one or even two, so I appreciate the idea of others, plural.

Sleeping Bag
A snug retreat until things make sense again.

Yellfire
Bringing brimstone to the crowded theater.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run 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 archive and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)