- Tamed Musiq founder Ripperton went to see Isolée play live in Lausanne at the start of 2012. The minimal house pioneer opened with an extended, unreleased version of "Dennis," which he had put together as the soundtrack to a skateboard movie, Rollen Aaller. Ripperton instantly fell in love with it, requesting an edit to play in his own sets. Over a year later, it comes out as the inaugural release of the Xtra Tamed series.
Following the success of "Allowance," "Dennis" upholds the producer's trademark emotive lean, albeit less overtly. Where "Allowance" tugged voraciously at the heartstrings, "Dennis" plucks away gently, keeping the central melody subdued beneath gated synths and warm chords. If it doesn't grab you immediately, rewind and repeat until it does. With his "8 Wheels dub," Ripperton tailors the original to suit his sensitive deep house style, slowing building a fragile frame around Isolée's melody. Innervisions affiliate Baïkal replaces the melody with dusky synth swells, constructing something altogether darker and more techy. The crispness of the drums adds a certain crunch, but this release is all about the poignant pull of the other versions.
Tracklist A1 Dennis (Original 12" Mix)
A2 Dennis (Ripperton's Eight Wheels Dub)
B Dennis (Baikal Remix)