Bands & artists like The Dears

If you like The Dears, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

New to The Dears? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

The National

The National

Guide

The National shares a similar blend of atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics, often building to powerful crescendos.

indie rock post-punk
Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire

Guide

With their orchestral arrangements and emotional depth, Arcade Fire captures a similar grand yet intimate sound.

chamber pop indie rock
Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie

Guide

Death Cab for Cutie combines melodic indie rock with poignant lyrics, creating a reflective mood akin to The Dears.

emo indie rock
Band of Horses

Band of Horses

Guide

Their lush soundscapes and emotive vocals resonate well with the sonic textures found in The Dears' music.

indie rock
Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan's intricate arrangements and introspective songwriting align closely with the dynamic shifts present in The Dears' work.

alternative rock baroque pop chamber pop
Interpol

Interpol

Interpol's moody post-punk revival sound complements the dense atmospheres created by The Dears.

alternative rock indie rock post-punk revival
The Antlers

The Antlers

The Antlers weave emotional narratives through layered instrumentation, similar to the storytelling approach of The Dears.

indie rock
The Decemberists

The Decemberists

With their literary lyrics and rich instrumentation, The Decemberists evoke a similar sense of drama and intimacy.

art rock

Common questions

Who sounds like The Dears?

Artists similar to The Dears include The National, Arcade Fire, Death Cab for Cutie and Band of Horses. Each shares elements of The Dears's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is The Dears?

The Dears is primarily known for indie rock. The Dears create dense, swirling textures that ebb through dynamic crescendos and intimate moments of quiet introspection.

Where should I start if I like The Dears?

If you enjoy The Dears, start with The National — their album "Laugh Track" is a great entry point. The National shares a similar blend of atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics, often building to powerful crescendos.