Shadows, a soft and soothing house song with a tempo of 118 BPM, is Mike Galvin’s comeback. It perfectly captures his technical prowess and emotional depth. Airy synth pads, delicate string swells, and carefully modulated filters recreate the feeling of sunlight refracting through tree canopies as you drive down a highway on a warm, carefree day. The track builds on an organic evolving groove, rich bass, and percussive textures.
Galvin’s attention to detail is evident in Shadows’ sound design, which features subtle synth automations that give the song a natural, pastoral feel while the higher, airy pads capture the wind blowing through the trees. The end product is a composition that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its engrossing atmosphere while striking a balance between energy and tranquility.
Galvin’s musical career started with classical training before he briefly played in indie bands, before moving into Dublin, Ireland’s underground rave scene in the early 2000s. In addition to the dynamic house and techno rhythms of Berlin and Detroit, he draws inspiration from jazz improvisation and epic film scores. In 2015, he relocated to Toronto, which broadened his horizons and enhanced his sound.
Beyond his electronic work, Mike Galvin has contributed as a session guitarist on releases and remixes for Canadian artists and has composed scores for film, including the award-winning Irish short film A Silence Between. His current productions, which combine dancefloor sensibilities with cinematic depth, are influenced by these experiences.
Galvin shows off his ability to combine electronic precision with natural warmth in Shadows, creating a distinctive soundscape that evokes feelings of calm and nostalgia. His music appeals to the desire for connection and the quiet introspection that follows a night of dancing, establishing him as a performer who can create house music that is both emotionally stirring and rhythmically captivating.
