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!

I had the weird experience this week of posting my own job on Indeed. Yes, I plan to retire in a few months, which means we need to get the word out so we can hire my successor while I’m still around to train them. But I won’t be retiring from this blog as long as there are still bands with funny or inventive names. Even on a holiday weekend, band names never take time off!

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!

Fight Milk
Humorous as either a product or a band name, since milk is typically regarded as mild and soothing. But take it away and the baby gets angry. (I found at least 3 other bands using this name, but pretty sure I linked to the right one.)

Petty Party
This Tom Petty tribute is exactly what it says on the label. I also salute the wordplay and how delightful it is to say aloud. Well done.

Scatter the Atoms That Remain
Sternly poetic. Leave no trace. We mean it.

SlapFight
How the juveniles of the species attempt to solve their conflicts without anyone getting hurt. The next stage is to pick up guitars.

Swiss Army Wife
She really can do anything; that’s her superpower. And I love it when two common phrases just click together like that.

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.)