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!

We’re having a touch of actual winter in Seattle, with snow and everything! I was not ready for it this early, but it looks pretty on this sunny day. Wishing for clear, non-icy roadways so all bands playing this weekend can get to their shows and have an audience.

This week’s honorees all played on Thursday, I think–a veritable one-day blizzard of great names! If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch to encourage them as we perhaps move into less interesting times. And … hit the follow button at the lower right to never miss a post!

Elegant Pleasures
Nothing against grimy punk-rock dive bars, but sometimes I want to dress up and enjoy the luxury of a comfortable seat and a fancy cocktail.

Joker’s Republic
What you end up with when you elect wannabe Batman villains to high office.

Sleep Signals
The raucous snoring should be a dead giveaway, but maybe they’re faking it.

Static Angel
Put socks on your hands and feet, then lie on the carpet in a darkened room and wave your arms and legs. There should be sparks.

Style King of the Week
I just want to sit and bask in the glory. Somebody saw this oddball honor and put it to a higher, better use. I salute them.

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.)