American Songwriter has picked out four rock acts whose careers were defined by sticking rigidly to a single, instantly recognisable musical or visual formula rather than reinventing themselves over time.

– The White Stripes: the Michigan duo paired bombastic blues-rock with a striking red, white and black visual identity, later earning a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
– AC/DC: the Australian band built a decades-long career on soaring vocals and stadium-sized guitar riffs, with a sound that remained largely consistent across their catalogue.
– The Ramones: the New York group helped define punk rock around 50 years ago through fast, high-energy songs and driving guitar riffs.
– Mumford & Sons: the British band took a contrasting acoustic Americana route, using kick drums, upright double bass and acoustic guitars to become one of the most successful acts of the 21st century.