Historically, a lot of rock music has been about rebellion. The aggression of the music more or less reflects the intensity of the rebellious emotions. For example, although I'm not sure what the Moody Blues' Justin Hayward was rebelling against when he wrote "Nights in White Satin," it doesn't have that corrosive quality we hear in "Smash It Up" by the Damned.

As we grow older, though, a lot of youthful antagonism tends to mellow — which might explain why so many punk bands either die out or slow down. It's hard to take the stage and scream "I'm gonna scream and shout til my dying breath / I'm gonna smash it up til there's nothing left" if the energy required to do so might actually kill you.

Nonetheless, here's to those aging punkers who still fight the good fight. Consider, then, a trip to New London's 33 Golden Street on Saturday to catch one of the increasingly rare performances by New Jersey street punkers Blanks '77. Hell, they even released a new album last year and, as it's called "Gettin' Blasted," they're still rockin' the attitude. Also on the bill are Lost Riots, Productive Member and Rictus Grin.

Blanks '77, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 33 Golden Street, 33 Golden St., New London; $5; (860) 443-1193.