You can't rush a good relationship, say the agony aunts. The same thing applies to Oxford's musical veterans The Relationships, says Templeton Blake.

It has taken them a relaxed 26 months to produce their debut album, called Trend.

The Relationships are regarded by many in this parish as the godfathers of Oxford music. Born from the ashes of The Anyways - regarded by many as the best Oxford band ever - The Relationships have been together for some five years. They take pure pop music, add a dash of West Coast jangle and a splash of psychedelia, and turn it into an art form.

Richard Ramage, lead vocalist and main songwriter for The Relationships, said: "We took our time with the album. Our intention was to make sure we got it absolutely right."

The Relationships launch their album with a show at The Bullingdon on Saturday.

"I've been listening to quite a lot of late sixties psychedelia of late - especially English psychedelia. Some of the newer songs we're working on reflect that. We may even play one or two of them this Saturday." Any aspiring bands, Oxford-based, irrespective of musical direction, should make it the top of their agenda to see The Relationships live.

A lot can be learned from their superb songs and immaculate delivery.

Trend features a number of 'guest' artists - notably Amelia Fletcher, of Marine Research, and Oasis's bassist Andy Bell. Andy provides the rockout guitar on All God's Children, probably the most psychedelic track on the whole album. How did The Relationships secure Andy Bell's guest appearance? "It was some years ago when a band I was in at the time supported the Go-Betweens at Bury Knowle Park. A very young Andy Bell come along - and he says that it was this performance which inspired him to go out and buy his first guitar. I ran into him at The Zodiac recently and told him we were recording our album and invited him along to guest on a track. He come to the Dungeon Studio and added his guitar to All God's Children. All it cost me was some petrol money and a few cups of tea. He's a nice chap," Richard explained. The Relationships album is being released on a Californian-based record label. Isn't this the musical equivalent of exporting coals to Newcastle?

"I suppose you could say that," grins Richard. "We set the deal up on the Internet. The fellow who runs Twee Kitten liked our demo tape and released our Country Catalogue EP. We've actually never met. He was hoping to come over for the launch party, but he's not able to make it now."