“Real Murders”, the soundtrack by Chris Wirsig: A masterclass in emotional painting through music

Chris Wirsig, a composer, songwriter, and producer who has received awards for his work, has contributed his musical talents to various projects. His compositions are featured in the acclaimed documentary series “Halloween Obsessed,” the vampire film “The Things We Cannot Change,” multiple short films, the comedy feature “39 And A Half,” as well as in popular games like the Top Ten iPad game “Alien Tribe 2.” Additionally, his music has been showcased in numerous TV shows airing on ABC, E!, MTV, History, Oxygene, Fox Sports, and various other channels. On his latest project, we take a look at a soundtrack series, “Real Murders – Music From The True Crime Series”. Keep reading for my thoughts!

There is much to unpack here– from the opening track on “Real Murders”, “Another Treason Found”, the atmosphere is grim. It’s tense. There is drama in the simplicity– and layers in the ether that immediately envelop one and their senses, truly driving them into the heart of the drama headfirst. The ominous string drones, the deep low-end lent by the orchestral percussion, and the steady heartbeat of the soundtrack lent by the arpeggiated synths yield a sense of steady timekeeping, while the string sections in the background build to a steady crescendo that forms a confluence, where all of the tension and the energy finds itself resolved; much to my satisfaction.

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Continuing on to “Twilight Road”, the atmosphere is immediately that of the night– darker, more deliberate, speaking to the emotion of fear and dark energies more so than the straight tension in the first track. The sound design speaks for this, too, with stabs and the drones in the background, painting a dark 70s noir crime film right with the sound coming through my speakers– and I was left thoroughly impressed.

“Investigation Report”, with its melodies and harmonies, speaks to a feeling of realisation, of intrigue, as well as an illusion of ‘connecting the dots’, per se; as I imagine the protagonist whose presence this soundtracks, finding that one crucial clue that would help them solve a grand mystery; and that messaging is crystal clear here.

As the soundtrack progresses on “Real Murders”, we really do go on a journey of emotion with “Information Disarray”, “Trembling Eyes”, and so on. Every time, the harmonies, cadences, breaks and crescendos make for an intense, involved listening experience that would render any scene they’re chosen to soundtrack, addictive. There are no two ways about it– this score is that well-produced.

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The mix holds everything together exceptionally well, with amazing amounts of detail retained in even the most dramatic parts of the whole “Real Murders” soundtrack. The low-end is tight, exceptionally well-controlled, with just the right amount of soul in the mids and highs so as to not sound dull, but also not so dynamic as to detract from the scene they’re meant to be in; and that, in a soundtrack, is an extraordinary thing. The sound design and effects are a real treat on this album, and I assure you, it only gets better with every listen.

Check out the full score here!