For St. Louis’ Radio Iodine, a potential lawsuit under its old moniker, 9 Days Wonder, by a Chicago band with the same name (one of five similarly named bands in the area.)

Earlier this year, the group changed its name, which would usually present a problem with press kits, CDs and other paraphernalia emblazoned with the old name.

Lead vocalist Ellen Persyn said the name change came at the right time, coinciding with the release of Never Meant To Lie on the Pointessentials II compilation, a collection of St. Louis music put out by KPNT-FM.

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We had it a lot easier than other bands when they change their names, she said.

Persyn said each band member wanted a different name, but she had the final say because of a phone call.

The only reason we picked Radio Iodine’ is because The Point (KPNT) called us and said that Pointessentials II’ is going to print and they had to know our name, she said.

The name change should not confuse too many people who were familiar with 9 Days Wonder. Persyn’s Annie Lennox-influenced voice is unmistakable in its feeling and intensity, its softness combining with the heavier, industrial-tinged instruments in a strange yet effective manner.

Its anomaly of a sound has perked up the ears of both TVT and Sony Records, which have requested more material after hearing its demo.

Although Persyn would like to get signed to a major label, she said she is not willing to jump through hoops by playing games and kissing ass.

If we get signed, cool, she said. If we don’t, that’s fine we’ll move ahead as a band.

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Radio Iodine recently hired a manager to take some of the stress off of Persyn’s shoulders and to handle the major-label interest.

We need somebody who has more experience in the music industry and who can negotiate and take charge of these things, too, Persyn said.

The band plans to record a 5-song EP in November, regardless of whether it gets signed or not.

When Radio Iodine played Pinch Penny Pub in July, the police shut down the outdoor gig because of excessive volume. Persyn said the police probably did not like the sight of the bassist leading a mosh pit, either.

After the show, look for Persyn and back-up vocalist / guitarist / bassist / keyboard player Anna Berry kicking back shots of an odiferous black liquid.

She’s the only one who does Jaegermeister shots with me, Persyn said. The other guys in the band are too wimpy.

Radio Iodine plays at 9:45 p.m. Saturday at Hangar 9, 511 S. Illinois Ave. Cover is $3.