Image is a square pink cartoon pig in a circular gray frame

Square Pig in a Round Hole-October 18, 2025

Image is a square pink cartoon pig in a circular gray frame

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!

Cover for Deep River Rising (Tales from Deep River book 2) by Karen Eisenbrey. A green leather binding with brass corners frames an illustration of a handwritten book. A silver pin with 3 blossoms lies on an open page.
Cover art by Michaela Thorn; cover design by Benjamin Gorman

Exciting times! The Mariners are one game away from finally going to the World Series; freedom-loving folks are once again out demonstrating against authoritarianism (crowds bother me, so I’m donating blood instead); and, at last, today is the cover reveal for my 8th published novel, Deep River Rising (Tales from Deep River Book 2)! This sweet, cozy romantasy can be read on its own or as a sequel to A Quest for Hidden Things. It will be available on November 11, but can be preordered now. Read the full announcement HERE.

Meanwhile, the band names continue to more than pull their weight. 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.

Comet Cult
Fringe sect for those who remember how the Comet Tavern used to be.

Odd Radio Circus
I like the way a slight alteration takes it from astronomical event to weird, noisy fun. (I almost suspect this one was slipped into the listings as a prank because they knew I would pick it. They are one of those mystery bands with no online presence, though I did find one called “Radio Circus” and one called “Odd Circus.”)

Off Off On
The unusual toggle that has 3 settings, two of which disable operation. At least they are right next to each other.

Somber Violets
Unmistakable languid goth energy. (One of the violets colonizing my flowerbeds bloomed at the end of September, casting this cheerful spring flower in a brave yet mournful light.)

Top Secret Robot Alliance
We’re all doomed, probably.

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 monthly 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.)

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