Music has this weird way of sticking to your ribs. You know that feeling when a song like "Ho Hey" or "Ophelia" comes on, and suddenly you're not just in traffic—you're basically standing in a dusty field in Colorado with a tambourine? That's the magic of The Lumineers. People call it "stomp and holler," which sounds kinda goofy, but it describes that raw, acoustic, shout-at-the-ceiling energy perfectly.
The thing is, if you've played III or Cleopatra until the digital grooves wore out, you’re probably looking for that same specific hit of dopamine. You want bands similar to the lumineers that don't just copy the "hey!" and "ho!" but actually get the storytelling right.
Finding the Soul in Bands Similar to the Lumineers
The Lumineers aren't just about suspenders and floor toms. Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites built a brand on being stripped-down. It's vulnerable. When you look for similar vibes, you're usually hunting for three things: cinematic lyrics, acoustic-driven melodies, and a certain communal warmth. Honestly, it’s hard to find. A lot of bands try to do the folk-rock thing and it ends up sounding like a commercial for a bank.
But some artists actually mean it.
Caamp: The Ohio Heavyweights
If you haven't dove into Caamp yet, start with "Peach Fuzz" or "Vagabond." Taylor Meier has this raspy, gravel-pit voice that feels like a warm hug from a guy who’s been camping for three days. They’ve got that same Americana backbone as The Lumineers, but they lean a little harder into the Midwestern chill. It’s less "stadium anthem" and more "backyard bonfire."
They actually toured with The Lumineers back in the day, so the DNA is definitely there. Their 2022 album Lavender Days is a masterclass in how to keep folk music sounding modern without overproducing it into oblivion.
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The Head and the Heart: Seattle's Answer to Folk-Rock
Most people know "Rivers and Roads"—it's the ultimate song for when you're moving away from your friends and want to cry in your car. But The Head and the Heart are way more than just one sad song. Their early self-titled stuff has those soaring three-part harmonies that give you the same goosebumps as a Lumineers chorus.
They’ve gone a bit more "indie-pop" in recent years with albums like Every Shade of Blue, but if you go back to Signs of Light or Let's Be Still, the folk-rock heart is beating loud and clear. They capture that "we’re all in this together" feeling better than almost anyone.
Why the "Stomp and Holler" Label is Kinda Misleading
We use the term "stomp and holler" to group bands similar to the lumineers together, but it’s a bit of a catch-all that ignores the nuance. For example, some people lump Mumford & Sons in here. Sure, they’re the cousins of this sound, but Mumford is way more aggressive—lots of frantic banjo and "Sigh No More" intensity. The Lumineers are more patient. They use silence as an instrument.
Gregory Alan Isakov: The Poet
If the part of The Lumineers you love is the quiet, introspective storytelling of songs like "Dead Sea," then Gregory Alan Isakov is your guy. He’s a literal farmer who makes music on the side, and it shows. His stuff is atmospheric. It’s "The Weatherman" or "This Empty Northern Hemisphere."
It’s not music for stomping. It’s music for staring out a window while it rains. He uses orchestral arrangements in a way that feels organic, not pretentious. If The Lumineers are a summer night, Gregory is the first frost of November.
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Mt. Joy: The Modern Successors
Mt. Joy is arguably the biggest band right now carrying this specific torch. Their songs like "Silver Lining" and "Astrovan" have that infectious, sing-along quality that dominated the 2010s, but with a slightly trippier, psychedelic edge. They aren't afraid to let a guitar solo breathe.
What makes them one of the best bands similar to the lumineers is their ability to write a hook that feels like you’ve known it your whole life. Their 2024 and 2025 touring cycles have proven they’ve moved from "indie darlings" to "festival headliners" for a reason.
The "New" Folk Wave of 2026
We’re seeing a massive resurgence in this sound lately. It’s not just about the old guard anymore. Younger artists are taking the Lumineers' blueprint and scratching it up a bit.
- Noah Kahan: You can't talk about this genre without mentioning him. Stick Season basically revived the entire folk-pop industry. He’s got the self-deprecating lyrics and the massive, acoustic-driven choruses that make people feel seen.
- Wild Rivers: A Canadian band that focuses on the male-female vocal dynamic. If you miss Neyla Pekarek’s presence in the early Lumineers records, listen to Wild Rivers. Their harmonies are pinpoint accurate.
- The 502s: If you want the absolute highest energy version of this, these guys are it. They call themselves the "happiest band on earth," and they use a banjo like a lead electric guitar. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to them.
Surprising Alternatives You Might Overlook
Sometimes the best bands similar to the lumineers aren't "folk" at all. They just share that same raw, emotional honesty.
Take Lord Huron, for example. They’re way more "spooky desert lounge" than "folk rock," but their world-building is incredible. Listening to Strange Trails is like watching a movie. Then there's The Lone Bellow. They have a soulfulness that leans into gospel territory sometimes, but their acoustic energy is massive.
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- Lord Huron - Best for: Cinematic storytelling and "The Night We Met" vibes.
- The Lone Bellow - Best for: Powerhouse vocals and raw emotion.
- Vance Joy - Best for: Catchy, ukulele-driven pop-folk.
- Of Monsters and Men - Best for: Big, anthemic "Little Talks" style energy.
How to Build the Perfect Playlist
If you’re trying to find more bands similar to the lumineers, don’t just stick to the Spotify "Radio" algorithm—it tends to get repetitive. Look for the producers. Ryan Hadlock produced the first Lumineers album, and he’s worked with heaps of other great folk-rock acts.
Start by mixing one "heavy hitter" like The Avett Brothers (try "I and Love and You") with a deep cut from someone like Blind Pilot. That’s how you find the gems.
Honestly, the "stomp and holler" era didn't die; it just grew up. It’s less about the waistcoats now and more about the songwriting. Whether it's the heartbreaking honesty of Phoebe Bridgers or the high-energy banjo of Judah & the Lion, that spirit of acoustic music making a big noise is still everywhere.
To truly expand your library, start by listening to the "Early Days" playlists of the bands mentioned here. Most of these artists, like The Lumineers, began with incredibly raw, self-produced EPs that capture a spark the polished studio albums sometimes miss. Check out Caamp's early live sessions on YouTube or the first EPs from Wild Rivers to hear that "stomp and holler" sound in its most authentic, unrefined form. Once you've exhausted those, look into the line-ups of folk festivals like Newport or Edmonton—that's where the next generation of this sound is currently cuttting their teeth.