2. Mumford & Sons
Until not so long ago, folk music was that oft-forgotten genre that was very much a niche market - catering mostly to the all-American Tim McGraw fans and the hipster Laura Marling advocates, while the majority looked on, intrigued but somewhat uninspired. That is, of course, until Mumford & Sons happened. Bringing folk rock back in a bigger way then ever before, particularly here in the UK, the intensely adorable London quartet made their understated entrance in 2009 with their glorious first single 'Little Lion Man', and have held a fond place in our hearts ever since. Possibly one of the most culturally aware bands on the planet, Mumford & Sons draw strong influences for their emotional and powerful songwriting from literature like that of Shakespeare and John Steinbeck, and this is particularly noticeable on their début album 'Sigh No More'. Critically acclaimed and beloved by their enormous fanbase, the band use their diverse range of instruments, paired with Marcus Mumford's soft yet uplifting vocals, to create something truly beautiful. Mumford & Sons are unfortunately currently on hiatus, but we can hope that we'll see the follow-up to last year's beautiful 'Babel' before too long.