Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding 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!

Consider this a Valentine to everyone who ever named a band! Keep up the good work.

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the follow button at the lower right to never miss a post!

Ape Vermin
Is this a case of primates infested with fleas, or are the primates themselves the infestation? If the latter, it’s gotta be humans.

Fake Hands
A spy gadget cleverly concealing weapons? Or goofy novelty item from Archie McPhee? I hope the band gets a chance to stock up on the latter while they’re in town.

Gahooga
A vintage onomatopoeia to grab your attention. I haven’t featured a spelled-out sound effect in a long time but they are some of my favorites.

Souls Worn Thin
A pun, but no joke three years into this slow-moving apocalypse. The spirit is weary.

Twin Wizard
My fantasy novels feature wizards and quite a few twins, but (so far) no twin wizards. I’m a little troubled that it’s singular. What happened to the sibling? There’s an epic plot there.

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.)