Intro
Listening to the intro of Spooks Night at the Aquarium – Classic one thing stood out: The music. Fading in and out the masterful scores contribute to building anticipation but also anxiety. Keeping you expecting a grand reveal for the entire duration of the intro until finally you are hit with the episode title and the pressure temporarily abates. I think this is excellent audio design not only because it stirs the interest of the audience but also because it mirrors the subject matter of the episode. The in and out of the music mimics the rising swells of a wave and then the momentary trough before the next crest surges forward. Thus it not only catches the listeners attention hook line and sinker but also lures them into the briny depths in which the episode takes place.
Summary
The episode follows night guard Kevin Wright as he shares his experiences working at the supposedly haunted Monterey Bay Aquarium. He starts off telling us the history of the location. He then explains some of the legends surrounding the aquarium told to him by other guards. The rest of the episode is then dedicated to him recounting his own encounters with the unnatural.
Sirens Voice
To say Glynn Washington’s voice is anything less than spectacular would be deception of the highest magnitude. But what I think does not get enough credit is his cadence. He paces himself so as to be as fast as the listeners mind is racing and then slow down when he needs to draw out their curiosity. The introductory anecdote is a perfect example of this. he builds up a mix of swirling mix of interest and anxiety before slamming the breaks to deliver his chilling conclusion. His pacing is wonderful, and though it may not take center stage it is a driving factor that puts the wind in his shows sails.
Splish Splash
the use of sound effects in this episode is excellent. The ambient bubbling and splashing of water brings the story to life in a way that may fly under the radar. Instead of being intrusive these sounds truly do blend into the background of the speakers voices, as though you were with them in the aquarium itself. I find that often ambient effects like these can become annoying and detract from the story being told or they are not noticeable enough to even impact your perception of the tale. I think Spook has struck a carful balance here that nets the listeners mind and drags it into the kelp forests of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Creaking Doors and Radio Static
The sound of footsteps and jingling keys build ambiance in a way the takes the experience to the next level. In a manner reminiscent of watching a movie with your eyes closed Spooked builds a mental image of the happenings in their eerie episodes. Much like with ambient effects they make sure not to over do it but instead have just enough to paint their picture without overshadowing the speaker. The ringing of ships bells and radio static when our storyteller recollects speaking over his walkie talkie immerse you in the memories recounted to us as if you were there yourself.
The End
Night at the Aquarium draws the listener in and never lets them go. Through the techniques outlined above the creators ensure that you are hanging on their every word and your heart is racing to reveals of something as mundane as an octopus. They create an image so vivid in your mind that you can see the sardines circling above you, flashes of silver moving like stars in the dark night. Although some of the mysteries are solved the episode leaves you wondering what really happened. Check it out here
Photo of Glynn taken from his instagram.