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!

This post is going out a day late because I spent Saturday at Norwescon 45, my first time attending in person. Next year, when I won’t have that pesky day job anymore, I might be able to attend for more than one day. But I had already hunted up a basket of band names to share, so here they are for your enjoyment. Happy Easter!

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!

Bug Hunter
I like how this could be a gritty sci-fi reference, or a celebration of the budding entomologist in the backyard.

Calm Collapse
Quietly going boneless at the end of a long day.

The Narcissist Cookbook
For preparing that romantic dinner for one.

Pure Mothman
This cryptid has an impeccable pedigree.

Waiting in the Willows
Forbidden romance or spooky horror? Maybe both.

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.)