That is the question that shoots through my mind now every time I am about to touch something metal or electric; for, a large percentage of the time of late, I've been receiving electric shocks. From radiators, mainly (specifically the radiator in the hall); light switches; door knobs; and, occasionally, the gas fire (made of metal, not gas - just for clarity) in the living room. What's brought it on, I don't know. I've thought it could be down to my slippers, but I've had the same ones for a while now, and there's been none of this electricity until recently. Now wait: the slippers isn't such a bad suggestion - it's the build-up of static electricity in me that's doing it, of course, and students of tribology will be perfectly aware of the friction that'll occur between slippers and carpet. Maybe tribologists wouldn't specifically be aware of the electricity that can build up through the rubbing of two materials (I don't know, having never studied it), but it is generally known that the rubbing of two materials together - such as a balloon and a head of hair - is what produces static electricity. So it isn't the slippers. The carpet neither, since that has been here longer than my slippers. My clothes, perhaps? But no, again I've been wearing the same set of clothes - three alternating pairs of dark-navy trousers, and a handful of T-shirts and jumpers - for longer than I've had these slippers.

Thus, the mystery remains completely unsolved. What's brought it on, I don't know. But I do know, that when these five gentlemen you are presently to meet come together to play music, more than sparks fly: hearts are stirred, musicians are inspired, time stays, and the world is music. Just sit back and enjoy this scintillating performance of Tortoise playing Seneca. If you don't enjoy it, I can say no more to you.