British band Mumford and Sons are known for their unique blend of folk, indie, and alternative music. If you’re a fan, you might be looking for more bands with similar music styles to add to your playlist.
Look no further because, here, you’re in for a treat! We have compiled a list of 13 bands like Mumford and Sons that share similar sounds and influences.
With their strong vocal harmonies, captivating banjo-driven melodies, and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with countless fans worldwide, these artists will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for more soulful tunes. Read on!
Mumford And Sons by Stefan Schäfer, Lich (CC BY-SA 4.0)
1. The Lumineers
An American indie-folk band from Denver, Colorado, The Lumineers is one of the top bands that share a similar sound and style to Mumford and Sons.
Formed in 2005 by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, this group has gained massive popularity for their soulful lyrics paired with catchy melodies featuring guitars, banjos, and other traditional folk instruments.
Fans of Mumford and Sons will find The Lumineers’ heartfelt storytelling and vocal harmonies highly appealing. Their albums are filled with passion-driven tracks, like “Ophelia,” “Stubborn Love,” and “Cleopatra,” all evoking raw emotion through profound lyrics backed by engaging acoustic sounds.
Interestingly, both The Lumineers and Mumford and Sons played a vital role in revitalizing the folky musical aesthetic that has since influenced mainstream music.
2. The Avett Brothers
From North Carolina, roots rock outfit the Avett Brothers have been captivating music fans since their formation in 2000. With a distinct sound that effortlessly blends elements of folk music, bluegrass, alternative folk bands, and country folk, they’ve often drawn comparisons to Mumford and Sons.
Consisting of brothers Scott (banjo) and Seth (guitar) Avett, along with Bob Crawford on double bass and Joe Kwon on cello, the Avett Brothers have achieved critical acclaim for their deeply emotional lyrics and soulful songwriting.
Their album I and Love, and You made waves as it entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #16 in 2009. Fan favorite tracks, like “Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise,” perfectly captures the essence of their style—rich acoustic ensembles coupled with thoughtful lyrics that resonate with listeners across generations.
3. Fleet Foxes
If you like the soulful, melodic vibes of Mumford and Sons, then you’ll enjoy the indie folk band Fleet Foxes. Founded in 2006 by frontman Robin Pecknold and guitarist Skyler Skjelset, this band effortlessly brings together acoustic rock, Americana music, and vocal harmonies to create their unique sound.
Their live performances only enhance their musical prowess; they are known for their captivating stage presence and stunningly rich harmonies that embrace elements of bluegrass and roots rock.
Having released four critically acclaimed albums, including a self-titled debut in 2008 followed by the Grammy-nominated Helplessness Blues in 2011, Fleet Foxes have solidified themselves as one of the leading indie folk bands of our time.
4. Of Monsters And Men
The unique sound of Of Monsters and Men combines acoustic elements, strong vocals, and catchy melodies. The Icelandic indie folk-pop band gained global recognition with their hit single “Little Talks,” which features a driving horn section and powerful harmonies.
Their debut album, My Head Is an Animal, achieved critical acclaim for its emotional depth, musicality, and creative lyrics. The single “Little Talks” topped Iceland’s charts and landed on #3 on Billboard‘s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs.
Formed in 2010, Of Monsters and Men has continued to evolve musically with subsequent albums such as Beneath the Skin and Fever Dream, exploring new styles while staying true to their roots.
5. Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros
American folk rock band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros formed in 2007. The band’s lead singer, Alex Ebert, created the persona of Edward Sharpe as a messianic figure while living on a farm commune.
Their music features catchy melodies, gospel-like backing vocals, and upbeat rhythms that will get you dancing along with their tunes. Their sound is often compared to Mumford and Sons because it incorporates elements of folk, Americana, and indie music into its distinctive style.
In addition to Ebert’s charismatic stage presence, the band also boasts an array of talented musicians who play instruments ranging from guitar to accordion to trumpet.
6. Passenger
Our next recommendation is English rock band Passenger. Formed in 2003 by lead vocalist and guitarist Mike Rosenberg, the band’s music is characterized by its acoustic sound, heartfelt lyrics, and storytelling style, much like Mumford and Sons.
They gained fame after the release of their fourth studio album, All the Little Lights, which was a critical hit. It peaked at #3 on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured one of their greatest hits, “Let Her Go.”
Though the band separated in 2009, and Rosenberg uses the name in his solo career, he continues the folksy origin of the band and won Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Song for “Let Her Go.”
7. Darlingside
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Darlingside is a band that’s been making waves in the indie folk scene since their formation in 2009. The group features four male vocalists who harmonize with stunning precision, backed by guitar, cello, mandolin, and violin.
Their sound has often been compared to Mumford and Sons for its blend of acoustic instruments and anthemic hooks. Their third album, Extralife, is one of their best, peaking at #10 on Billboard‘s Independent Albums chart.
Darlingside’s live performances are just as impressive—they’ve played at venues such as Newport Folk Festival and have even opened for Brandi Carlile.
8. First Aid Kit
Swedish indie folk duo First Aid Kit consists of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg. Their sound can be described as haunting and ethereal, with beautiful vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of Mumford and Sons.
First Aid Kit gained international recognition for their song “Emmylou,” released in 2012. The track pays tribute to legendary musicians Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Johnny Cash, and June Carter Cash, who have all inspired the band’s sound.
The band has released five studio albums so far: The Big Black and Blue, The Lion’s Roar, Stay Gold, Ruins, and Palomino, all with great success.
9. The Paper Kites
Another band that music fans who enjoy Mumford and Sons should check out is the Paper Kites. Formed by Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy, this indie-folk group from Australia has been making waves in the music scene since 2009.
With their harmonious vocals, intricate guitar work, and imaginative lyrics, they’ve gained a cult following. They have five albums and 21 singles so far, and they are still going strong.
With songs like “Bloom,” “Featherstone,” and “Woodland,” the Paper Kites create a dreamy atmosphere that transports listeners to another world. They infuse elements of acoustic, alternative, and indie rock into their folk-inspired tunes to create something truly unique.
10. Noah And The Whale
British indie-folk band Noah and the Whale was formed in 2006. They share many similarities with Mumford and Sons, including their use of folk instruments like banjos and mandolins alongside more traditional rock instrumentation.
One of Noah and the Whale’s most famous songs, “5 Years Time,” became an instant hit when it was released in 2008. The song’s upbeat tempo and cheerful chorus make it impossible not to tap your feet along to the rhythm.
What sets Noah and the Whale apart from other bands on this list is the deeply personal quality of their music. Many of their songs deal with themes like heartbreak, disillusionment, and finding one’s place in the world—topics that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure about what comes next.
11. Bear’s Den
A British band founded in 2012, Bear’s Den is known for their uplifting and melodic music that blends indie rock and folk. They have been compared to Mumford and Sons due to their use of stunning vocal harmonies, banjos, and acoustic guitars.
Their debut album, Islands, was released in 2014 and received critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling through music. Their song “Above the Clouds of Pompeii” still remains one of their most beloved tracks, showcasing lead singer Andrew Davie’s powerful yet tender vocals.
Their latest album, Blue Hours, was released in 2022 and reached #6 on UK’s Albums Chart. It maintained the band’s banjo sound and roots of folksy melodies.
12. Lord Huron
Active since 2010, Lord Huron is an American indie folk band that was formed in Los Angeles. The group consists of founder and lead vocalist Ben Schneider, along with several other members who contribute various instruments and vocal harmonies to their sound.
The band’s best-known songs include “The Night We Met,” which was featured on the soundtrack for the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, as well as “Fool for Love” and “Way Out There.”
Lord Huron has built a reputation for putting on energetic live shows that often incorporate visual elements like fog machines and projected images, much like Mumford and Sons.
13. The Head And The Heart
An indie folk band like Mumford and Sons, The Head and the Heart is worth listening to. Their use of acoustic instruments, emphasis on harmonies and vocal interplay, and incorporation of traditional folk elements into their sound have earned them a wide following.
Formed in 2009, the band gained popularity when they released their self-titled debut album in 2011. It was a critical and commercial success and included the hit song “Lost in My Mind.”
Since their debut, The Head and the Heart has released several more albums, including Let’s Be Still in 2013, Signs of Light in 2016, and Living Mirage in 2019—all of which topped the US Folk Albums chart.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Mumford And Sons
If you’re a fan of Mumford and Sons, then you know how unique and enjoyable their music can be. Luckily, there are many other bands out there that have a similar sound and style.
The bands listed above offer a wide range of folk-inspired music, from the upbeat, soulful melodies of Hozier to the banjo-driven ballads of Bear’s Den.
Check their songs and albums out. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll find a new favorite among them—or maybe all! Enjoy!
