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!

In addition to great band names, I am especially excited about two things this week: 1) I am having fun revising the finale (book 5) of my Tales from Deep River fantasy series, partly because I love the story and partly because the end is in sight for a project that began decades ago; 2) my brother and band-mate in Your Mother Should Know asked me to suggest the set list for a rare live show we’ve agreed to play in December, and we both like my first stab at it, in the order in which the songs came to me. This life is pretty cool.

But yes, the band name crop was excellent this week. If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And…hit the subscribe button at the bottom to never miss a post.

Big Machines
For the preschoolers who are obsessed with construction equipment, and their parents who dream about backhoes.

Brass Camel
Fascinating, whether an artifact in a museum or a knickknack on Grandma’s shelf.

Earth Tongue
How the planet speaks, or maybe a big, muddy appendage.

Fairweather Foes
You know you’ve fallen on hard times when even your enemies turn away.

RockMomEnough
I am in awe of this hilarious musical pun that seems to have been created just for me.

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 below for future issues.