Who are they? An English quintet of childhood friends from the small Devonshire town of Tavistock who update the fun ska-pop stylings of Madness, the Specials, etc., with two horn players.

Why the buzz? The Rumbles' full-length debut, "Girls and Weather," was just released stateside in August but was a hit last year in Britain. Hip American stations such as the Current have been playing the first single, "Alarm Clock," since last winter. Hot British producer Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse) was an early supporter and is now working with them toward a second record.

What do we think? Their sound is much more derivative and not nearly as infectious as this year's other big ska-tinged buzz band, Vampire Weekend. But frontman Charlie Waller is more of an original. He writes and sings with a juvenile glee but smart, regular-bloke wit à la Jonathan Richman, evident in the biker-wannabe anthem "Motorcycle." Since they've been touring for their record for well over a year now, their local debut had better be rock-solid.

When's the gig? 9 p.m. Thu., 7th Street Entry. $10.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER