Fort Wayne’s indie/folk trio The Namby Pamby have not wasted any time since releasing their debut Marketplace in 2022. Within months of their debut dropping, they were already back in the studio with Off The Cuff Recording’s owner/studio wizard Jason Davis putting together what would turn out to be their sophomore LP. If you’re thinking “sophomore slump” you’d be thinking incorrectly, good sir (or m’lady).

To make your March Madness a little less mad, The Namby Pamby present The Birds Aren’t Migrating Like They’re Supposed To. The 12 songs and 38 minutes it presides over are a collection of thoughtful, melancholic, lovelorn songs that come across like a conversation to a loved one not there to hear the words. McKenna Parks, Emily Parks, and Payton Knerr have put together something special.

The Birds Aren’t Migrating Like They’re Supposed To comes in with striking melodies and a heavy-heartedness. “Find Me” hangs in the air with contemplation: The sparse production and instrumentation brings the emotions right to the surface. The minor chords in the refrain hit you like a boot to the solar plexus (to my ears, reminiscent of Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better.”) The title track has an almost jazz swing to the drums, bringing in touches of Andrew Bird. And those vocals are just gorgeous with the slightest hint of country.

“Pigeon Holed” has a breezy country touch courtesy of some tasteful lap steel, and McKenna Parks’ vocals hint at touches of Joni Mitchell here. “Sister’s Keeper” sounds like Low, but with an “acoustic grunge” vibe — quiet, but heavy. From “Honey Creek” to the country folk of “Hannah Summers” to album closer “Leaves Leaving,” there’s not a dull moment.

The Namby Pamby continue to prove they are one of the best bands to come out of The Fort in recent memory. And in such a short time it’s evident they are ready to spread their wings for brighter skies.