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So spring is finally here, and nature’s soundtrack provides us with the familiar sounds of birds chirping, bees buzzing, and buds bursting. Sea and Cake frontman Sam Prekop (pictured) demonstrates a blossoming of his own new sonic delights on his self-titled debut album. The 10 gorgeously arranged songs exude a melodic sweetness over which the soft-spoken singer breathes airy life into lyrics chosen more for sound than meaning. Prekop picked the cream of the Windy City crop to back him, including fellow Sea and Cake pal Archer Prewitt (guitar), as well as Rob Mazurek (coronet) and Chad Taylor (percussion) from the Chicago Underground Duo. Jim O’Rourke lends a hand with arranging, recording, and the occasional instrument, but ultimately it is Prekop’s songwriting that takes center stage, especially on tracks like “The Shadow,” a nostalgic tune embellished with a jazzy undercurrent of light percussion. Full of succulent instrumentals, beguiling rhythms, and soothing vocals, Sam Prekop is a fresh and dreamy record, perfect for these early and most pleasant days of spring. Also on the bill is the newest incarnation of Aerial-M, featuring the solo acoustics of Dave Pajo, performing under the quaint moniker Papa M. Kendall Payne opens at 10 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, at Metro Cafe, 1522 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 518-7900. (Amy Domingues)