Oxford’s Dive Dive will complete a strange three years when they support Frank Turner at the Regal on Sunday. Made up of singer Jamie Stuart, guitarist Ben Lloyd, drummer Nigel Powell and bassist Tarrant Anderson, the band released their debut album Tilting At Windmills in 2005 and were hotly tipped.

Success never materialised, though, and in spite of a respectable second album, they found themselves without a record label. Struggling with what to do next, all the band, bar Stuart, were offered the chance to become part of Turner’s backing band. As the former Million Dead singer’s career has blossomed, this spell has continued and the trio have spent the last three years travelling the world with him.

This year, this has meant a full world tour, with spots at most of the major festivals (including headlining at Oxfordshire’s Wood Festival) and playing venues that hold thousands of people.

All of this meant Dive Dive’s activity has been, at best, sporadic and Jamie Stuart has been at home in Oxford while his band have been off round the world. But now they’re back, with a new album, Potential, out in January. There is also a full tour, supporting Turner and Stuart can look forward to playing with his band again.

Speaking to The Oxford Times in the week before the gig, Stuart said he was excited about the tour. “It’s been frustrating not being able to play whenever we want, but it’s great to have these gigs now.”

It must be nice to have the band back together though?

“Yeah, I can’t imagine playing anyone else’s songs, but the rest of the band have got to make a living. It’ll be great to tour together again though.”

It sure will. n Frank Turner and Dive Dive play the Regal on Sunday. Tickets are £15 and can be bought from the Regal box office or from www.seetickets.com