Bright, Bright Heat

Two of the BW team were very impressed by the preview of new material The Panics gave the peeps at Splendour in the Grass back in August, but their victory in the 2007 J Award was still unexpected. Their third full-length, the meticulous Cruel Guards is definitely a highlight of a very strong year in Australian music and beat out such notable nominees as Katalyst (the funky What's Happening?), Urthboy (sweetly produced The Signal), Silverchair (Young Modern) and Architecture in Helsinki (the kinky Places Like This) amongst many other incredible Aussie albums.
The inaugural Triple-J J Award, for the best Australian album of the year, was claimed by Wolfmother's self-titled debut in 2005 . Last year saw Adelaide's Hilltop Hoods take out the award with The Hard Road. Clearly the Panics are now in esteemed company as a winner. So, congratulations from BW to the boys from Perth on a much deserved J Award!

The Panics - Cruel Guards

For 2007, Triple-J introduced the Unearthed J Award for new, unsigned bands and Young + Restless took it out. They're an exciting five-piece (seems it was the year to be a five-piece) from Canberra who have been kicking around for a couple of years with a lead somewhat reminiscent of Karen O. Definitely worth watching these kids!

Young + Restless - Satan