Roots Rock

Roots rock emerged in the late 1960s, particularly in America, as musicians realised that blending rock with folk, blues, and country could distract from their lack of innovation in other areas. Characterised by hearty guitar riffs and a noticeable twang, it often sounds like a group of mates having a sing-along whilst trying to remember the lyrics from a pub jukebox. Its cultural significance is rather like that of a classic British holiday: you know it’s not going to be fancy, but you love it anyway, and the nostalgia can be hard to resist.