The oft-heralded local music scene boasts many, many bands exploring many, many styles - but it's just not all that often we hear African djembe rhythms. Make way, though, for Rooster - no, not the Atomic Rooster that once featured Carl Palmer in another century - a self-described Afro Funk Orchestra from Stonington.

Comprised of drummer J Curland, bassist Patrick Pollin, percussionist James Holland, guitarists Christian George and Ian Kelly and - yes! - djembe wizard Matthew Dean, Rooster present poly-cadenced sounds that will seduce your ears and your feet. They perform Friday in Westerly as the Knickerbocker Cafe presents Indie Night.

Also performing are Straight to VHS - whose recent "Weekend Weekend Weekend" album is stuffed with frenetic and witty garage stylings - and anthemic modern rock melodicists Marvelous Liars.

- RICK KOSTER

Rooster, 9 p.m. Friday, Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; with Marvelous Liars and Straight to VHS; $5; (401) 315-5070.