Denver’s Paper Bird bears a certain kinship to other Colorado combos, particularly those that strive for populist appeal. Now, with new vocalist Carleigh Aikins helping out at the helm, the band takes on an extra edge, evidenced by a clear sonic shift that finds them completely revamping their sound. Indeed, their latest effort, the eponymous Paper Bird, finds electric guitars and amped-up instrumentation usurping the laid-back, folk-infused sound that they favored in the past. That’s especially evident in sturdier fare like “I Don’t Mind” and the sultry-sounding “Sunday,” the latterof which meshes graceful harmonies, reminiscent of the Dixie Chicks and the Be Good Tanyas, with the ‘70s sensibilities of bands like Heart and Fleetwood Mac. Aikins enhances a vocal arsenal powered by lead fellow singers Sarah Anderson and Genevieve Patterson—all of whom blend their voices so seamlessly that they practically sound like one. The instrumental duties are divvied up as well, creating a homespun sound that never lacks vitality or verve. In many ways, Paper Bird is the ideal communal combo, one that allows each member to contribute to the proceedings without detracting from the group’s common core. That shared dedication helps Paper Bird take flight.