8 of San Diego's Best Band Names

What's in a name? Well, we shine a light on eight bands that got it right

For many bands, choosing a name is a timely, tedious process -- it has to be just right.
 
For others, it's merely an identifier; no more, no less. It's as if more thought went into their late-night Taco Bell run than their band name. It's usually painfully obvious when a group picks the first thing that comes to mind -- but every once in a while, a name will stand out and stick with you.
 
For all the great band names, there are hundreds (thousands, millions!) more which are just horrible. We've taken a long, hard look at local band names, and while there are tons of good ones, we decided to highlight a select few that just rock our worlds. If you think of any that should be on the list, comment below and let us know!
  • Blackout Party: What name could be more fitting for the gnarly, whiskey-soaked rock & roll these guys blast out? Perfection.
  • The Burning of Rome: This fearless quintet, which just released the excellent genre-sprawling new album Year of the Ox, has an equally grandiose -- and ominous -- name.
  • Deep Sea Thunder Beast: Led by Gloomsday's guitarist/co-lead singer, Justin Cota, this metal trio packs a mighty wallop similar to that of -- yep, you guessed it -- a deep-sea thunder beast.
  • Machines Learning: This trio describes itself as "atmospheric post space rock," and that's not far off. We've always loved the name, and it makes us wonder: What kind of rock would machines play?
  • Manuok: Upon first glance, Manuok looks suspiciously like one of those strange band names that we'll never pronounce correctly (Sigur Ros and Bon Iver, we're looking at you). Now that we're in the know, however, we love it as much as the band's experimental pop/rock: It's pronounced "MAN-you-ok."
  • The Silent Comedy: This indie folk rock band is a perfect example of aesthetics matching the name. The quintet dress to impress (even joining our Most Stylish list last year) while looking like they've just been cast in a Buster Keaton film.
  • Sledding With Tigers: These bluegrass punks have one of the best names around. And it goes without saying that any band name that conjures up images of Calvin and Hobbes is quite all right in our book.  
  • Teenage Burritos: What can really be said about Teenage Burritos? The name fits their fun, '60s garage/punk/doo-wop sound. Just don't forget the guacamole.

Links to some of our other lists: 

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