Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 club listings for abundant source material!

Yesterday was all taken up with authorial and social business with no time for blogging. Better late than never, I put on the blogging hat because these band names are deserving of attention:

The Bombpops

The appealing bounce of consonants off repeated vowel sounds suits the explosive sweetness that is pop punk. Very excited to hear this group at the Showbox on Thursday with Square Pig faves Dead Bars (as well as Counterpunch and headliners Strung Out.)

Fretland

Where many of us have been living for (at least) the last two years. I hear music is good for anxiety.

Immensity Crumb

This adorable oxymoron sounds like a comic character in a Dickens novel.

Scenic Route to Alaska

Is there any other kind?

Sunflower Dead

Perfect for the change of seasons. There’s a sunflower in my backyard that must be 11 feet tall and is not dead yet, but I wonder how long it will stand once the rains hit. (Spouse included for scale.)