Written by: Jen Dan
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Chris Wirsig may be best known as one half of the electro-noir duo no:carrier, but he also has a slew of other achievements to his name, including being a member of the electronica/chillwave band Virtual Conformity, creating and contributing compositions to games like Alien Tribe 2 and movies like 20 Matches, and forming the first German fair trade record label NovaTune.
Now L.A./San Francisco-based Wirsig has taken on the mantle of solo artist for his ambitious, ambient- and electronics-infused, concept album The 13 Crystal Skulls which was released on May 13th. Wirsig was fascinated by the mysterious story of the 13 Crystal Skulls that has become legend over the years. Archeologists and others have supposedly dug up or come across perfectly intact rock crystal skulls from ancient ruins in Central and South America and many question the purpose of these objects. Were they used in traditional rituals? Are they actually fakes created in a more modern era? And if they are replicas, what and where are the originals?
Wirsig has latched on to the enduring myth of the 13 Crystal Skulls and channeled this continual search for significance on 13 haunting electronic and ambient instrumentals that explore the dark and hidden nature that resides within human nature. The 13 Crystal Skulls is all Wirsig, from its creation and production to the vocals and keyboards. The song titles read like scenes from an Indiana Jones movie and in essence this album is the soundtrack for an as-of-yet un-filmed cinematic experience.
The “Overture” crawls along ominously with a cavernous depth, strung out on crackling static, shining crystalline rings, and noisier metallic clangs. A delicate and dangerous excavation is in progress as piano notes tiptoe through the debris. The “Ghosts of the Aztecs” rise next, flitting sharply through lightly dropped piano notes and slowly spiraling synth lines. Faint choir-vocals echo through the airy, but portentous atmosphere before more lively bounding drum thumps and ticking percussion fill the void.
The “Carved Legend” of the crystal skulls takes shape with weaving laser-like zaps, faint ghostly exclamations, and plunging and submerged keyboard notes. Fragile music box notes shine against the buzzing and reverberating sounds. Somehow, across the mists of time, “Watching Eyes” view life through the crystal skulls as winding synth press, traces of piano notes, and a plucked strings pace guide the way. Heavy steps and sustained synths continue following the path that grows more intense with a build-up of synth frisson and light piano notes.
The “Excavation” continues yet again as more skulls are unearthed. Heightened, bittersweet strings play against metallic pick strikes and coiling reverb notes. Deeper sounds infiltrate and curve around the dig and bring on a nocturnal ambience that acts as a ‘Proceed With Caution’ signpost. The rocks shakes loose with a sudden bright agitation and the joy of discovery. This time the “Ghosts Of The Maya” are stirred up, floating on whispery synths and crepuscular synth notes. Little trills of piano run through the extended synth lines and breathy, almost-worded vocals.
A “March Through The Ages” takes place, starting with suspended synths, wordless male vocals, and medium range piano notes. The windswept plains are streaked with the pull of symphonic strings and finally a steady and heavy drum and percussion tread. The tempo intensifies into a whirlwind of dynamic drumming and careening synth notes. “The Lost Artifact” has been found and the question arises if the ancients are disturbed by what has been brought to light. Their haunting moans dissipate into the ether and are replaced by poignant strings and piano notes. What hidden treasure been revealed to humankind? What knowledge will modern humans attain from the crystal skulls of their ancestors?
The mystery continues…
