Rebellious Pop Spirit Drives Rosenbergs’ High-Energy Set

Rock ‘n’ roll rebellion comes in many forms. For the Rosenbergs, it’s meant avoid-ing major labels and giving their music away free on Napster--which wouldn’t matter at all if the Long Island musicians were not masters of infectious, bare-bones power-pop.

At the Dragonfly on Sunday, the Rosenbergs performed a quick, 45-minute set of hook-filled rock with passion but not flash--and none was needed. Using the same dependable ingredients that go back at least to the likes of Tommy James & the Shondells, the Rosenbergs rode buzzing, high-energy guitars, a driving beat and yearning, happy-sad vocals.

The band also waved the Napster flag high, with a Napster banner on the stage and two band members wearing the firm’s logo.

The controversial music-file sharing service is a sponsor of the quartet’s current tour, designed to promote the Rosenbergs’ new “Mission: You” album, released independently on Robert Fripp’s Discipline Global Mobile label.

It was no surprise to hear singer-guitarist David Fagin criticize the music industry’s court fight against Napster. “John Lennon is turning over in his grave,” Fagin said, and suggested the industry’s next step would be to sue singing schoolchildren for unpaid royalties.