As we announced on Tuesday, the time has finally come to unveil the winner of the Hot Pursuit contest (presented by Spin, Hennessy, and Music Nation).

We've heard from some of the nation's most talented, hungry bands, all of whom have competed for a record deal in battle overseen by celebrity judges like songwriter Butch Walker, Peter Bjorn & John's Peter Moren, the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer, comedian Michael Showalter, and Spin Editor Doug Brod

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And without further ado, SPIN.com is proud to announce the 2008 Hot Pursuit winner: Rantings of Eva.

The Atlanta, GA-based outfit have toughed it in the local scene for six years, building a name for themselves on the merits of their shimmering, buoyant alt-rock. And now they're bracing for the big time, having earned a record deal with Original Signal/Epic Records, a brand-new Gibson SG guitar and bass, national press coverage in Spin, and a performance slot at Spin's Year in Music party.

"We are really honored to have won and even more honored to represent the Atlanta music scene," the band excitedly tells SPIN.com. "There were a lot or really great acts and we feel really lucky we came out on top!

Congratulations to all of the competing bands and finalists, and especially to Rantings Of Eva.