The Top British Folk Rock Bands You Need to Know

Looking for some new music to add to your playlist? Check out our picks for the top British folk rock bands you need to know. From up-and-comers to established acts, these are the groups that are keeping the folk rock flame alive.

British folk rock – what is it?

British folk rock is a musical genre that combines elements of folk music and rock music. It originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United Kingdom. Folk rock bands often utilized traditional instruments such as mandolins, banjos, and acoustic guitars, and performed songs that were influenced by both traditional British folk music and American folk rock.

Some of the most famous British folk rock bands include Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, Lindisfarne, Jethro Tull, and Hobbit. These bands were all highly influential in the development of the genre, and their music is still enjoyed by many fans today.

The top British folk rock bands

There are a number of great British folk rock bands that have emerged in recent years, blending traditional folk music with elements of rock and roll. Here are some of the top bands you need to know about.

The Paper Kites
The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band that formed in 2010. The band has released three studio albums, each of which has been critically acclaimed. The band is known for their beautiful harmonies, catchy melodies, and heart-wrenching lyrics.

The Staves
The Staves are a British folk rock band consisting of three sisters: Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor. The sisters grew up in Watford, Hertfordshire, and began making music together as teenagers. They self-released their debut EP, Dead & Bury’d, in 2011. Since then, they have released two albums—If I Was (2015) and Sleeping in a Car (2016)—and have toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.

Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons are a British rock band that formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, guitar, drums), Winston Marshall (banjo, guitar), Ben Lovett (keyboards, piano), and Ted Dwane (bass guitar). Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums—Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012), and Wilder Mind (2015)—and have won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year (Babel) and the Brit Award for Best British Group (Mumford & Sons).

Why you need to know about British folk rock

British folk rock is a musical genre that combines elements of folk music and rock music. It originated in the late 1960s in the United Kingdom. Folk rock bands often used traditional folk instruments such as acoustic guitars, mandolins, and violins, and incorporated them into their musical style.

The genre was initially most popular in the UK, but it later spread to other countries, including the United States. Some of the most popular British folk rock bands include Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span.

If you’re a fan of rock music, then you should definitely check out British folk rock. You’ll love the unique sound of this genre!

The history of British folk rock

British folk rock is a musical genre that combines elements of traditional British folk music and rock music. It arose in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when electric folk groups began to experiment with rock elements in their music. By the early 1970s, elements of British folk rock had been incorporated into mainstream rock music, leading to the formation of such bands as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Fotheringay and Pentangle.

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a renewed interest in traditional British folk music, with such bands as The Clanad, The Watchers and The Albion Band all fusing folk and rock genres. In the 1990s and 2000s, there was a further resurgence of interest in British folk rock, with bands such as Shooglenifty, Oysterband and The Levellers all achieving considerable success.

So if you’re a fan of British folk music or rock music (or both!), then check out our list of the top British folk rock bands you need to know.

The influence of British folk rock

British folk rock is a musical genre that combines elements of folk music and rock music. It originated in the late 1960s with bands such as Fairport Convention and was later popularized by acts such as Pentangle, Strawbs, and Alwyn Wall.

The genre is sometimes seen as a precursor to the British folk revival of the late 1960s and 1970s, which saw a renewed interest in traditional British folk music. Folk rock bands typically blended traditional folk influences with elements of rock music, such as electric guitar and drums.

Despite its name, British folk rock has been influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including American folk rock and psychedelic folk. In recent years, the genre has seen a resurgence in popularity, with a new generation of bands drawing on its traditions.

Here are just a few of the top British folk rock bands you need to know:

Fairport Convention: One of the most influential bands in the history of British folk rock, Fairport Convention was formed in 1967 by Richard Thompson and Simon Nicol. The band went on to release a string of classic albums, including Liege & Lief (1969) and Full House (1970).

Pentangle: Another influential band from the early days of British folk rock, Pentangle was formed in 1967 by Jacqui McShee, Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson, Terry Cox, and John Renbourn. The band released eight studio albums between 1968 and 1973, including The Pentangle (1968) and Cruel Sister (1970).

Strawbs: Formed in 1966 by Dave Cousins and Tony Hooper, Strawbs initially started out as an acoustic act before moving into electric territory with their 1968 album Dragonfly. The band went on to release a string of well-regarded albums throughout the 1970s, including Grave New World (1972) and Bursting at the Seams (1973).

Alwyn Wall: A member of Fairport Convention from 1969 to 1971, Alwyn Wall released his debut solo album Grey Man in 1971. His second album, Spirit Live On!, was released posthumously in 1972 after his untimely death at the age of 24.

The future of British folk rock

The future of British folk rock is looking very bright indeed. With a wealth of new talent emerging in recent years, it seems that the genre is in very good health. Here, we take a look at some of the bands who are leading the way and who look set to enjoy great success in the years to come.

1. Mumford & Sons

One of the most successful British folk rock bands of recent years, Mumford & Sons have won multiple awards and sold millions of records worldwide. Their blend of folk, rock and pop has found favor with fans all over the world, and they continue to go from strength to strength.

2. The Levellers

The Levellers are one of the UK’s most beloved folk rock bands, and have been entertaining audiences for over thirty years. Their energetic live shows are legendary, and their studio albums have also won widespread acclaim. With a back catalogue full of classic songs, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

3. The Decemberists

The Decemberists are an American band with a sound that is steeped in British folk rock traditions. Their intricate arrangements and literate lyrics have earned them a loyal following, and their live shows are always highly anticipated events. They are one of the most inventive and original bands around, and look set to enjoy continued success in the years to come.

The best British folk rock albums

Though it may not be as popular as it once was, British folk rock is a genre that has produced some truly incredible music over the years. If you’re looking for a new album to add to your collection, here are ten of the best British folk rock albums that you need to know.

1. Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief
2. Pentangle – The Pentangle
3. Steeleye Span – Now We Are Six
4. Jethro Tull – Aqualung
5. Fotheringay – Fotheringay
6. The Pogues – Rum, Sodomy & the Lash
7. Dylan & The Dead – At The BBC
8. Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back to Virginia
9. The Felice Brothers – Yonder Is the Clock
10. Mumford & Sons – Babel

The best British folk rock songs

As the name suggests, folk rock is a genre that combines elements of folk music and rock music. While the two genres might seem like an unlikely combination, the result is a beautiful and often moving blend of sounds.

There are many great British folk rock bands, but here are just a few of our favorites:

-Fairport Convention
-The Pentangle
-Steeleye Span
-Sweeney’s Men

The British folk rock scene today

The British folk rock scene is thriving today, with a wide range of artists exploring the genre in new and exciting ways. Here are just a few of the top British folk rock bands you need to know about.

The Decemberists are a British folk rock band from Hampshire, England. Formed in 2001, the band is known for their unique brand of literate, complex songwriting, with frontman Colin Meloy often drawing inspiration from historical events and figures. The Decemberists have released seven studio albums and three EPs, to critical and commercial acclaim.

Mumford & Sons are a British folk rock band formed in London in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, guitar, bass drum), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboard, piano), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, mandolin) and Ted Dwane (vocals, string bass). Mumford & Sons have released four studio albums and won multiple Grammy Awards.

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina. Formed in 2000 by brothers Scott and Seth Avett, the band also includes Bob Crawford (bass) and Joe Kwon (cello). The Avett Brothers have released ten studio albums and won two Grammy Awards.

The Lumineers are an American indie folk rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by Wesley Schultz (lead vocals) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums), the band also includes Neyla Pekarek (cello) since 2010. The Lumineers have released three studio albums to critical acclaim and commercial success.

Why British folk rock is important

British folk rock is an important part of the country’s musical heritage. The genre emerged in the late 1960s, when musicians began to experiment with traditional folk music, adding elements of rock and roll.Since then, British folk rock has continued to evolve, incorporating new sounds and influences.

Today, there are a number of hugely successful British folk rock bands, including Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, and The Decemberists. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking to discover something new, these are the bands you need to know.