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 Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!
October has been its classic self so far: a few days of sunshine and blue skies, then an absolute drencher. We made good use of one of the nice days with an excursion on the West Seattle Water Taxi and a stroll to Alki Point. I spent part of the wet day getting my flu and Covid shots, so now I feel the need for a nap, but I still recommend everyone who can, do it to prepare for the season. Neither the bands nor the audience want to get sick.
If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.
Alki Heathens
The localest of local flavor, Alki being where the city of Seattle got its start. And Seattle is known for being one of the least religious areas in the country. It’s fitting that they were playing at the Skylark, a great club in West Seattle.
A Mourning Star
A lugubrious celebrity, famous for grief.
The Stews
Welcome to the season of comfort food.
The Warlochs
Magical bodies of water, home to battle cryptids.
Worlds Worst
Superlative punk loser pride.
Two last things before you go:
- 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.
- 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 subscribe to the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Karen Eisenbrey 