Techno/Review Mike Galvin - La Energía
Mike Galvin began his musical journey with classical training before being drawn into the underground rave scene in Dublin, Ireland, in the 2000s after a brief spell playing in indie bands. Further inspiration was drawn from an appreciation of jazz and improvisational styles, epic movie scores, and the kinetic beats of the Berlin and Detroit house music and techno scenes before a move to Toronto in 2015.
“La Energía” by Mike Galvin is a compelling techno journey that fuses historical gravitas with forward-driving dancefloor energy. Clocking in at 126 BPM, the track begins with a deep, dubby atmosphere—moody low-end rumbles and spacious textures set a contemplative tone. Layered with excerpts from JFK’s iconic inaugural address, the opening half evokes a sense of resolve and curiosity, mirroring the hopeful tension of the 1960s space race that inspired it.
The JFK samples add a cerebral, almost cinematic quality, grounding the track in a moment of global ambition and visionary thinking. But “La Energía” doesn’t stay grounded for long. At 3:26, the track shifts gears with the emergence of a gritty, acid-tinged bassline, injecting a jolt of urgency and movement. The transition is seamless yet striking—transforming the track from introspective to euphoric without losing its narrative thread.
By the time it hits its peak at 4:27, “La Energía” fully lives up to its name, delivering a climax that’s both physically charged and emotionally resonant. Galvin expertly balances restraint and release, crafting a track that’s just as suited for late-night headphone listening as it is for a packed warehouse set. “La Energía” is techno with vision—thoughtful, immersive, and brilliantly executed.