Last night at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory, the four state finalists in the Garage to V went head-to-head to decide who would claim the coveted V Festival slot. All the bands have talent to burn, but only one could prevail…

The decision from the judges was unanimous: Victoria’s “doo-wop punk” five-piece Litte Red is the 2008 Garage to V victor. Against stiff-as-it-comes competition from Perth new-wavers Wales, local heroes Cassette Kids and Brisbane post-punk outfit wind&brackets, Little Red wowed the room with their smooth, – œ60s-inspired sounds. They now go on to join the V Festival tour bus in the prestigious company of The Smashing Pumpkins, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Duran Duran et al.

A warm pat on the back to all the bands that entered. The real winner, of course, is Australian music. Aww!