Previously known as The Populists, over the past year, My Cousin, The Emperor has brought their self-described brand of “irony-free parlor music” to venues all over New York City. Last fall, while recording their full-length album, the band explored a fresh, electrified approach. Armed with a distinctly raw new style, yet retaining the plaintive, down-home sound that has been the hallmark of Reischel’s solo work, My Cousin, The Emperor has clarified its voice.