Other than Rasputina, Patrick Wolf & Final Fantasy, what modern rock, indie or alternative bands can you recommend that use string instruments like violins and cellos? Anything from the last ten years would be great, thanks.
Going back a little before your timeframe, but I always thought Annie Lennox used classical strings very well in her music.
Andrew Bird was trained as a violinist before getting into rock, IIRC. I would recommend Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs. Great album.
Just a handful:
Cursive
The Decemberists
Joanna Newsom (harp and a very… distinctive voice)
Cruxshadows, a whole bunch of goth bands
Celtic rock/punk uses fiddles usually