There's been gripes that Brian Eno's forthcoming Luminous festival in Sydney showcasing the cities talents, doesn't y'know, really have any Sydney bands. Now it (kinda) does.

The former Roxy Music star-cum-producer (U2, Coldplay, David Byrne), is coming to curate the festival designed to "celebrate the diversity of Sydney’s creative industries". Bout time we actually get some then.

Eno has beefed up the festival with seven Australian bands, The Necks being the only previously announced local act. New additions include ex-Wolfmothers (and recent Boogie Rock headliners) Palace of Fire (pictured, right), Warp approved "post-fantasy" rockers Pivot, dub/dancehall devotees Sine (who were allegedly discovered by Eno on YouTube), gypsy lovers Lolo Lovina and their trad offshoot The Crooked Fiddle Band, jazz group Alister Spence Trio, and Watussi (pictured, left), whom our pals over at whothehell.net recently described as, wrtiting "songs that soundtrack the raddest parties that South American’s have in your head." I have some pretty epic parties in my head Watussi, so I hope there's a Zeppelin laden with Caipirinha's raining lithe, oiled Brazilians in your set.

Eno isn't completely forgiven for his initial Oz oversight however. All these Australian bands are appearing as support acts only. Some of which seem a little topsy-turvy (it should be Ladytron supporting Pivot dontchathink?). Palace of Fire will support Battles, Pivot to blow Ladytron away, and Sine will bow down to Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Lola Lovina warms the boards for Rachid Taha, The Crooked Fiddle Band will only be allowed to use half the mixing desk (no subs!) before Irish folkie Damien Dempsey, and Watussi will shake hands and swap demos with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at the Sydney Opera House.

Luminous is lauded as "a cornerstone of Vivid Sydney, a unique public festival that will transform the city into a spectacular living canvas of music and light in and around Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay, Parramatta and city centre, May 26 to June 14."

Cravats = Engage.

http://luminous.sydneyoperahouse.com