This is the inaugural article in Marty's Musical Meltdown, a column featuring reviews of both live music and recorded CDs, DVDs, LPs, EPs, and singles, as well as various musings about the world of rock music. Each week, I'll write a column about the myriad musical stuff that currently requires my reviewing ear.

This week, I'm focusing on the harder rock bands in the mountain of CDs next to my computer. Next week will be a bit harder edged, with reviews of bands like Rob Zombie and Nox Arcana.

But first, I'll start with a live review.

Concert Review: Diamond Dogs and The Pariahs

Last night saw a cracking gig from Diamond Dogs and The Pariahs — a couple of bands who share a label — at the Underworld in Camden in a cold Londontown.

Unfortunately, I missed the opening act while getting to the venue. I was told by various people that I didn't miss much. While the evening was the coldest yet this autumn, it was a great relief to actually make it in the venue with no hassle. Kudos to Roland Hyams, a PR guy who actually knows how to do his job. But more on that later.

The Pariahs — Don't Shun Them

First up were a five-man band of nutters from Toronto, Canada, in the form of The Pariahs. Now, just because they have a the before their name does not mean they're The Strokes (et al.) copyists. The Pariahs combine edgy, punky vocals with an almost Mötley Crüe-esque band. The sheer energy of lead singer Mike Pariah (who looks like an accountant) and bassist Staci T. Ratt drives this band ahead during their performance. It helps a great deal that Ratt looks like the offspring of Nikki Sixx and a groupie. This lot deliver driving hard rock with a touch of the sleaze, reminiscent of The Wildhearts.

As I suspected, The Pariahs were awesome live, and their song "Joan Jett" was particular fun. Even though the band were playing to sod all people (and most of them either journos or musos), they delivered a performance as if it were Reading or Knebworth. And this is key: the band actually looked like they were enjoying themselves on stage. They actually want to play live. I should also add that I chatted with several band members, and they are bloody nice guys who were pleased to be on tour. They had rather good things to say about their tour-mates, and none of it seemed forced. If you get a chance, catch The Pariahs live; you won't be disappointed.