Chances are, if you live in Auckland and have been in the CBD late afternoon/evening on certain days of the week over the past few years, that you’ve witnessed the Superhero Second Line. They’re the New Orleans-style band that parade around in daggy superhero outfits, playing traditional/non-traditional and original funky grooves. This is their first album and it’s great to hear the excitement of their live performances captured on a disc. Recorded in mid-2015 and mixed and mastered by Olly Harmer of The Lab, ‘Better Second Line’ is a mix of mostly original Superhero works, traditional second line jams (Down By The Riverside), and non-traditional jams like Hendrix’s Fire. Opening track Funkin’ In Da Batcave, by trombonist Hamish Jellyman, really sets the tone. The album blends the excitement of traditional New Orleans’ second line bands with a laid-back and not-taking-themselves-too-seriously attitude, making for an incredibly fun listen. The brass/wind-drums/percussion interplay is tight with some great contrapuntal work going on. Vocals reflect the raw, joyful quality of New Orleans call and response style well, without going over into ‘museum piece’ territory. Perfect for any time you want to get up, get down, and have some musical fun.