British folk rock

British folk rock is a genre that combines traditional British folk music’s melodies, storytelling, and instruments—like acoustic guitars, mandolins, and fiddles—with the electric instruments, rhythm, and production techniques of rock music. Emerging in the 1960s, it blends poetic lyrics rooted in UK cultural history with a rhythmic, often energetic sound. Notable bands like Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and The Pentangle helped define the style, which emphasizes a balance between authenticity of folk traditions and the broader appeal of rock. The genre often explores themes of history, identity, and social change, making it both rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary.