Unit Four Plus Two: The British Invasion's Folk Rock Pioneers

Unit Four Plus Two was a British pop and folk rock group from Hertfordshire, England, best known for their chart-topping 1965 single "Concrete and Clay." The band's unique blend of acoustic guitars, close harmonies, and subtle Latin rhythms carved a distinct niche during the peak of the British Invasion, securing them a lasting place in 1960s music history.

Early career

Formed in 1963 in the market town of Bishop's Stortford, the group evolved from a skiffle and folk club act called The Hunters. The core lineup solidified around guitarists Brian Parker and Tommy Moeller, with the distinctive "plus two" being vocalists Russ Ballard and Robert "Bobby" Henrit, who would later find fame in Argent. They were initially signed to the independent label English Decca, releasing their first single "Green Fields" in 1964, which hinted at their folk-inspired sound but failed to chart.

Breakthrough

The band's fortunes changed dramatically in 1965 with the release of "Concrete and Clay." The song, written by guitarist Brian Parker, was a masterclass in understated arrangement, featuring gentle acoustic guitars, maracas, and a memorable walking bassline. It soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart in April 1965, displacing The Beatles and becoming a massive international hit, reaching the Top 30 in the United States.

Key tracks

Concrete and Clay — This chart-topping single defined their sound and remains their signature song, a folk-pop classic with enduring appeal.

You've Never Been in Love Like This Before — Released as the follow-up to their smash hit, this single reached the UK Top 20, proving their success was not a mere fluke.

Sorrow and Pain — A later single that showcased the band's continued commitment to their melodic, harmony-rich style amidst changing musical trends.

Green Fields — Their debut single is important for illustrating the folk and skiffle roots from which their polished hit sound emerged.

The success of "Concrete and Clay" led to the release of their self-titled debut album and intensive touring. Despite their initial splash, Unit Four Plus Two faced the common challenge of replicating such a definitive hit. Subsequent singles performed respectably but could not match the phenomenon of their number one. The original lineup began to fragment by 1967, with Ballard and Henrit departing for other projects, though the Unit Four Plus Two name continued with new members for a few more years and recordings.

The music of Unit Four Plus Two shares its melodic, harmony-driven British sensibility with contemporaries like The Searchers, who also blended folk chords with pop. Peter and Gordon operated in a similar vocal-harmony folk-pop territory during the same era. For the acoustic guitar texture, one can look to The Springfields, the folk trio that launched Dusty Springfield. The later work of The Alan Price Set also occasionally touches on this blend of club-ready rhythm and pop melody.

Today, the recordings of Unit Four Plus Two, particularly "Concrete and Clay," are staples on classic rock FM stations and dedicated 1960s music programs. Their clean, catchy sound fits perfectly into rotations on online radio streams specializing in British Invasion gold and retro pop, ensuring their music reaches both nostalgic and new audiences.

The timeless folk-pop of Unit Four Plus Two continues to be featured across multiple radio stations in our network. Listeners can easily discover or revisit the essential tracks from this iconic British group by tuning into the classic rock and vintage pop stations available right here on onairium.com.