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!

Happy October to those who love this month as much as I do! I have been adulting hard this week, so it is a relief to sink into a soothing bath of silliness, by which I mean the celebration of band names. Aahhh!

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.

Liar Face
The expression of a politician shoveling a load of BS and expecting us to buy it.

Moonspots
Would we love our Moon as much without all her craters? (By my count, this is the 55th moon-themed name to be featured.)

Pullover
Rejoice, for sweater weather is here! Cardigans also welcome.

Punchin’ Grumpy
2026 has pushed us beyond spitting mad. Now we’re swinging fists.

Slow Magic
These spells take longer. Worth the wait.

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.