In the world of garage rock, the Swedish quintet called The Hives has created a unique sonic identity with their fusion of alternative rock and punk. They’ve also inspired a myriad of bands to embrace their high-voltage performances and raw style
But if you love The Hives and want to find some similar bands, where should you look? Well, in this post, we’re going to take a look at 13 incredible bands like The Hives that you’re sure to love. Let’s get started.
1. The Vines
In the late ’90s, a new sound began to echo from Australia’s bustling music scene. It was raw, it was edgy, and it was full of energy. This was the sound of The Vines, a band whose meteoric rise to fame would make them one of the key figures in the early 2000s garage rock revival.
Their breakthrough came in 2002 with the release of their debut album, Highly Evolved. It was an offering that captured the attention of music lovers all around the globe, taking the fifth spot on the ARIA Charts.
It wasn’t long before The Vines were sharing the stage with contemporaries like The Hives and Jet, heralding the garage rock revival in full swing and the band’s rise to prominence in a career that lasted until 2018.
2. The Strokes
Next up is the rock band The Strokes. This indie rock group burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s, with their roots firmly planted in New York City.
The band—consisting of Julian Casablancas, Albert Hammond Jr., Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, and Fabrizio Moretti—began their journey rehearsing relentlessly in the city that never sleeps. Their debut performance at The Spiral on September 14, 1999, marked the beginning of an era.
However, it was their debut album, Is This It, that catapulted them to global fame. Released in 2001, the album was critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and award-winning, landing Best International Album from both ASCAP and NME Awards.
The Strokes’ music, often described as the “last gang in town” vibe, appealed to both critics and fans, making them one of the most influential bands of the 2000s alongside similar bands like The Hives and The Vines.
3. The White Stripes
American rock duo, The White Stripes, came to be in 1997 and became synonymous with the unique sound of punk, folk, country, and Mississippi Delta blues–inspired music. Recognizable by their stark red-and-white outfits, the band comprised Jack and Meg White.
The White Stripes’ rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Their breakthrough came with the release of their critically acclaimed albums White Blood Cells in 2001 and Elephant in 2003.
Tracks like “Seven Nation Army” from the album Elephant became anthems for a new generation of rock fans. It won a Grammy for Best Rock Song (while the album itself won Best Alternative Music Album), earning them a significant place in the annals of rock history.
Unlike some other garage rock revival acts from that era who failed to maintain long-lasting appeal, The White Stripes continued surprising enthusiasts before officially disbanding in 2011.
4. Arctic Monkeys
Next up is the British rock band Arctic Monkeys. Their road to fame began when Alex Turner and Jamie Cook received guitars for Christmas in 2001. Two years later, they started making music, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Like The Hives, Arctic Monkeys draw inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, including punk rock and glam rock. Their songwriting often deals with social commentary and personal introspection delivered through catchy hooks and infectious melodies.
Though Arctic Monkeys gained immense popularity with their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, released in 2006, their greatest release is AM in 2013.
This masterpiece took the #1 spot on several music charts in over ten countries across the globe and nabbed several awards, including an NME for Best Album and a British Album of the Year.
5. Jet
Another band similar to The Hives is Jet. This garage rock band from Melbourne, Australia, was formed by brothers Nic and Chris Cester in 1996.
Debuting in 2003 with the album Get Born, the band experienced a critical and commercial breakthrough, selling over 3.5 million copies worldwide. Not only did it top the ARIA Charts, but it also gained four ARIA Awards, including Best Rock Album and Album of the Year.
Its lead single, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” became an instant classic, winning an additional two ARIA Awards for the band: Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist – Single.
Despite their rapid rise to fame, Jet remained committed to their music, releasing several more albums over the years. Each album showcased their musical evolution, with the band experimenting with different sounds and styles while staying true to their rock roots.
6. Franz Ferdinand
Formed in 2002, a Glasgow-based indie rock ensemble called Franz Ferdinand etched their name into the annals of rock history with a sound as compelling as it is innovative.
Their music, a fusion of rock and dance, has been described as “post-post-punk,” an inventive spin on the already experimental genre of post-punk. This distinctive sound soon caught the attention of both fans and critics, earning them a place in the indie rock spotlight.
Franz Ferdinand debuted in 2004 with a self-titled album. This was met with widespread acclaim, receiving a Grammy nod for Best Alternative Music Album. It included the award-winning single “Take Me Out,” a track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s distinct style and energy.
7. The Libertines
Hailing from London and formed in 1997, The Libertines‘ tale is one of passion, talent, and an unwavering bond with their fanbase. Composed of Pete Doherty, Carl Barât, John Hassall, and Gary Powell, this band, like The Hives, was an emblem of the garage-rock and post-punk revival that swept the world at the turn of the millennium.
Their ascent was swift yet well-deserved. A series of early demos caught the attention of Rough Trade Records. Their debut album, Up the Bracket, released in 2002, was a critical and commercial success, cementing their place in the music industry.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for The Libertines. Internal strife, especially between co-frontmen Doherty and Barât, led to tensions within the band. Despite these challenges and a break between 2004 and 2014, they continued to produce music that was as compelling as it was influential.
8. The Black Keys
In the year 2001, in Akron, Ohio, a rock duo emerged. Known for their bluesy guitar riffs and catchy lyrics, vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney would become The Black Keys and quickly gain the attention of the music world.
When they released the album Brothers in 2010, not only did it receive widespread acclaim and a Best Alternative Music Album Award, but the band was propelled into mainstream consciousness. The album’s standout track, “Tighten Up,” won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group, cementing their place in the rock music pantheon.
Despite the meteoric rise, The Black Keys have managed to retain their underdog spirit. Their music continues to evolve, yet it stays true to the raw, visceral energy that first catapulted them to fame.
9. The Subways
The English rock band Subways emerged onto the music scene in 2004 with their debut album, Young for Eternity. The trio—Billy Lunn, Charlotte Cooper, and Josh Morgan—hails from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and has been compared to The Hives due to their garage rock style.
Their sound is heavily influenced by punk and alternative rock, making them popular among fans of indie music. They have shared stages with other popular acts like Foo Fighters and Oasis, proving their ability to hold their own alongside big names in the industry.
Overall, if you’re a fan of The Hives or other garage rock revival bands like Babyshambles or The Libertines, then you won’t want to miss out on giving The Subways a listen.
10. The Fratellis
Next up is The Fratellis. This alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, has been making waves in the music scene since 2005. Their fusion of brash glam rock with stripped-down acoustics and classic British punk has earned them a spot on this list of bands similar to The Hives.
Their rise to prominence was marked by the release of their debut album Costello Music in 2006. The album was a commercial success, reaching #2 on the UK Album Chart and earning a Platinum certificate for its sales.
Over the years, The Fratellis have continued to produce music that engages and entertains their fans. Their latest album, Half Drunk Under a Full Moon (2021), shows off their evolution as musicians, offering a fresh yet familiar sound to their listeners.
11. Kaiser Chiefs
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, is the birthplace of the quintessential British indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs. Formed in the early 2000s, the band’s current lineup consists of Ricky Wilson on vocals, Andrew White on guitar, Simon Rix on bass, Nick Baines on keyboards, and Vijay Mistry on drums.
The band’s debut album, Employment, in 2005, was a major success, reaching quadruple-Platinum status and winning the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album in 2006.
The band’s popularity isn’t confined to their home country. Kaiser Chiefs has built a global following, maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. On Spotify, the band has an impressive 2.8 million monthly listeners.
Over the years, Kaiser Chiefs have been recognized for their contributions to music with numerous awards and accolades. They’ve received multiple Brit Awards, including Best British Group and Best British Rock Act.
12. Bloc Party
Emerging from the heart of London in 1999, Bloc Party quickly established themselves as one of the most intriguing bands on the English rock scene. Like The Hives, they became prominent during the post-punk revival movement in the early 2000s.
Silent Alarm, their debut album released in 2005, was a wild success. It peaked at #3 on the UK Albums Chart. Its tracks “Helicopter” and “Banquet” helped the band rise in popularity.
Bloc Party’s subsequent releases continued to demonstrate their musical versatility. They weren’t afraid to experiment with different styles and genres, which was evident in their later albums. This artistic restlessness has been a key factor in their enduring appeal.
Today, Bloc Party remains constant in creating remarkable releases. Their latest work dropped during the summer of 2023, is an EP titled The High Life.
13. The Killers
Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers formed in 2001 and gained mainstream success during the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. Along with The Strokes, The White Stripes, and The Hives, they were part of a resurgence of guitar bands that revitalized popular music at the time.
Their debut album Hot Fuss was released in 2004, and featured fan-favorite hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.”
Since then, The Killers has continued to release chart-topping albums and singles, including “Human” and “When You Were Young.” They’ve also collaborated with other artists such as Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, and Jimmy Kimmel for various projects.
If you’re a fan of The Hives’ high-energy rock sound, you may enjoy listening to The Killers’ music as well. Both bands share similarities in their energetic performances and catchy hooks.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like The Hives
For the most sensational garage rock band with punk and alt-rock influences, The Hive will most likely come to mind first. However, as you have read, many bands share a similar energy as them, so go ahead and check these out!
We hope with this list, you’ll be able to gather a few new favorite bands or songs for your playlist. It certainly added to ours!
If we missed any bands that should be here, let us know so we can add them for you! Happy listening!
