The White Stripes, with their raw blues-infused garage rock sound and unique power duo lineup, has profoundly reshaped the music landscape since 1997.
Their influence, propelled by Jack White’s exceptional guitar mastery, has inspired a wave of bands to champion a more minimalist yet potent approach to rock music.
If you’re thirsty for more of the band’s electrifying Detroit energy, then you’re in for a treat! In this riveting article, we’ll explore 13 incredible bands similar to The White Stripes. Let’s dive in!
1. The Black Keys
The rock duo from Akron, Ohio, Black Keys, rose to fame with their blues-infused sound and similar musical configuration to The White Stripes. Comprised of guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, this dynamic duo has captivated audiences worldwide.
Despite their significant success, which includes sold-out arena tours and high record sales, The Black Keys still maintain a grounded attitude, considering themselves just “another band from Akron, Ohio.”
The Black Keys continue to make waves in the music industry. Their new album, Dropout Boogie, was released in 2022. They also maintain a strong online presence, regularly updating their fans through their official website, YouTube channel, and Instagram page.
2. The Raconteurs
Next up is the indie rock supergroup The Raconteurs. Formed in 2005 as a new project by Jack White following The White Stripes’ hiatus, he was joined by Brendan Benson and two members of the Greenhornes.
This quartet is often considered a similar group to The White Stripes due to their shared roots in garage rock.
The release of three studio albums has marked the Raconteurs’ journey in the music industry. Their latest offering, Help Us Stranger, was released in 2019 and topped the Billboard 200 chart.
If you’re a fan of alternative rock with a distinctive edge, The Raconteurs is a band worth exploring. With their latest chart-topping album, it is clear the band continues to have a strong presence in the world of alternative rock.
3. The Kills
In 2001 singer Alison Mosshart and guitarist Jamie Hince formed The Kills. Since then, they’ve made a significant impact on the indie rock scene with their distinctive and minimalist sound.
The Kills’ music blends blues-inspired guitar riffs with punk energy. At the same time, they’re known to delve into various genres, including garage rock revival, while maintaining distinct identities.
They’ve released just five albums to date, but all have been well-received and have charted. Their latest album, Ash & Ice, dropped in 2016. It is their highest-charting album, peaking in the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Another indie rock band echoing The White Stripes’ sound is Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Formed in New York City in 2000, the group comprised Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs is well-known for the formal simplicity of their music and the high energy they bring to their live performances.
One of their most famous songs, “Maps,” was inspired by Karen O’s long-distance relationship with Angus Andrew, frontman of the experimental rock band Liars. Another famous piece is “Heads Will Roll.”
In 2014, the band took a hiatus but has since returned to the music scene. Fans rejoiced when Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their comeback album, Cool It Down, in 2022.
5. The Dead Weather
Another band that fans of The White Stripes will appreciate is The Dead Weather. Jack White and Alison Mosshart formed this supergroup after Mosshart filled in as a singer for The White Stripes on a joint tour.
One thing that sets The Dead Weather apart is their composition and songwriting process. With members from other bands, such as Queens of the Stone Age and The Kills, they work together to create music that blends different genres and influences.
Debuting in 2009 with Horehound, they’ve since released two more albums, with their music gaining millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. Some of their most popular songs include “Hang You from the Heavens,” “Die by the Drop,” and “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles).”
6. The Hives
Another band that comes to mind when considering bands like The White Stripes is The Hives. This Swedish rock group gained success during the garage rock revival in the early 2000s, and they quickly became one of the big four garage bands.
The Hives rose to international prominence with their breakout hit “Hate To Say I Told You So.” Considered their signature song, it took the #4 spot on UK Singles Chart and #6 on Billboard‘s Alternative Airplay.
Notably, The Hives recently returned from a hiatus with a new album titled The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, set to be released in August of 2023. They have also announced several tour dates for the rest of the year and 2024.
7. The Vines
Blending various genres—including garage, hard, and punk rock—we have next The Vines, an Australian rock band that formed in Sydney in 1994 and quickly gained prominence during the garage rock revival of the early 2000s.
The Vines gained international recognition with their debut album, Highly Evolved, in 2002. Now Platinum status, it had peaked at #5 on Australia’s chart and #11 on Billboard 200. It spawned hit singles like “Get Free” and “Outtathaway!”
Since 2018, the band has not released new music or announced any tours, but they are not officially disbanded. Their social media accounts remain active as they constantly keep fans updated.
8. The Strokes
Emerging from the vibrant New York City music scene in 1998, The Strokes has become an integral part of the garage rock and post-punk revival scenes.
In 2001, they released their debut album, Is This It. This album, with its minimalist rock anthems like “Last Nite” and “Someday,” was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. It catapulted The Strokes into the international spotlight.
A year after this, they were joined by The White Stripes’ Jack White on the stage at New York’s Radio City Music Hall as they performed “New York City Cops.”
In 2020, they released The New Abnormal, their first studio album in seven years. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, marking their first Grammy win.
9. Arctic Monkeys
Heading across the pond from New York, we have the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys next. Formed in Sheffield in 2002, their sound is often described as a mix of post-punk and garage rock, with influences from bands like The Beatles and The Strokes.
The Arctic Monkeys have significantly impacted the music industry since their debut single release in 2005, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” They’ve become one of the biggest names in alternative music, inspiring countless other artists to follow in their footsteps.
One memorable moment for Arctic Monkeys fans was when they covered The White Stripes’ “The Union Forever” during a live performance at Jack White’s Third Man Records store in Detroit.
10. Queens Of The Stone Age
Next up, Queens of the Stone Age is a band that shares many similarities with The White Stripes. They are known for their complex rock music, characterized by riff-oriented and rhythmic sounds influenced by blues, Krautrock, and electronica.
Their discography spans over two decades and includes eight studio albums, each showcasing the band’s evolving sound and musical experimentation. Their …Like Clockwork and Villains topped the charts in the US and UK, respectively.
Today, Queens of the Stone Age remains a powerhouse in the rock music world, continually captivating audiences with their unique sound and electrifying performances. In fact, their The End Is Nero Tour is set to kick off in August 2023.
11. Royal Blood
The rock duo Royal Blood has garnered comparisons to The White Stripes due to their two-piece lineup and hard-hitting sound, with Mike Kerr on vocals and bass guitar and Ben Thatcher on drums.
Royal Blood first gained attention with their self-titled debut album in 2014, featuring heavy riffs and catchy hooks reminiscent of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin.
While Royal Blood may draw inspiration from The White Stripes’ garage-rock style, they also incorporate blues and alternative rock elements. So if you’re a fan of The White Stripes’ raw, stripped-down approach to rock music but want something new to sink your teeth into, listen to Royal Blood.
12. Death From Above 1979
Up next, we have another rock duo, this time from Canada. Death From Above 1979 was formed in 2001, consisting of Jesse F. Keeler and Sebastien Grainger. They made waves in the rock scene like the White Stripes with their fusion of punk, hard rock, and dance music.
Some of their most popular songs include “Freeze Me” and “Trainwreck 1979,” both of which have amassed millions of streams on Spotify.
Their latest album, Is 4 Lovers, was released in early 2021 and was well-received by fans and critics alike. It’s clear from their recent work that Death From Above 1979 continues to push boundaries and innovate within their genre.
13. Weezer
When discussing alternative rock powerhouses, the California band Weezer will always be included. Formed in 1992, their sound often featured a balance between loud, guitar-driven rock and more melodic, pop-oriented elements, fusing several genres of music into something unique.
Weezer debuted in 1992 with a self-titled album, often called the Blue Album. It included such hits as “Say It Ain’t So” and the award-winning “Buddy Holly.” They followed this up with 14 more albums over their illustrious career, all charting high on the charts.
Despite their long career, Weezer shows no signs of slowing down. In 2022, they appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and released the EP SZNZ: Winter.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like The White Stripes
And there we have it! A few bands that carry the same energy and style as The White Stripes. Each of these bands, while sharing similarities, is still undeniably unique in their own way.
Check out some of their music—or all! You might be surprised with a few new favorites to jam to.
But remember, our exploration of this musical landscape is far from over. Have we overlooked any bands you think should be on this list? Do let us know so we can add them here!
