AUBREY — The Cheap Knob Gags Trax

Aubrey – The Cheap Knob Gags Trax opens the Solid Groove SG42 12-inch vinyl with a clear nod to the label’s 90s catalogue. The EP gathers six cuts from the Cheap Knob Gags imprint, a project Aubrey ran with Josh Brent (aka Schatrax), and translates that era’s tech-house energy into a compact, vinyl-ready format. Released on 11 January 2027, the record sits squarely in the tech house and techno house spectrum, offering a blend of muscular grooves and more introspective moments that feel both archival and freshly functional for the modern dancefloor. Within the Solid Groove roster, The Cheap Knob Gags Trax follows a series of Aubrey-centric releases that have built the label’s reputation for deep, forward-thinking house. Earlier in 2026 the label issued Retrospective (SG040), Marathon (reissue) (SG39) and Solid Groove Trax Vol 2 (SG38), each reinforcing Aubrey’s curatorial voice. The new EP continues that thread, pulling directly from the historic “Knob” series while keeping the same aesthetic rigor that characterises the label’s recent output. Side A begins with “At The Crack Of Dawn (1999) Knob 5”, a hot, humid track that drives forward with tight synth loops and a dusty texture, setting a muscular house tone. It is immediately followed by “Bell Ringer (1999) Knob 5”, which eases the momentum into a more pensive, dub-inflected groove, providing a contrasting, deeper atmosphere. The side closes with “Does He Rent It Out (1995) Knob 1”, a rapid, tightly coiled rhythm that injects techno synths and tribal percussion, hinting at free-tekno sensibilities and adding a kinetic edge to the A-side narrative. Flipping the record, B-side opener “Getting Your Palm Read (1995) Knob 5” ramps up the intensity with an unhinged, manic energy that feels designed for the more adventurous moments of a set. “Manhole (1999) Knob 6” then pulls back, introducing jazzy loops that smooth the transition and give the listener a brief, melodic respite. The final cut, “Manhood 1996 Knob 2”, launches back into full-throttle territory, delivering a high-octane finish that mirrors the EP’s overall ADHD-like dynamism. In the context of Aubrey’s discography, The Cheap Knob Gags Trax sits alongside a varied body of work that includes the Deep Series outing Shifting Phase (RDS003, 2026) and the a.r.t.less release Super Analog EP (A.R.T.LESS2165, 2025). While those records explored different facets of house and techno, this EP revisits the raw, archival material that helped shape Aubrey’s early aesthetic, offering a concise snapshot of his collaborative history with Schatrax and the broader 90s underground scene. For DJs, the record offers immediate utility: the opening track’s driving loop works as a warm-up or peak-time anchor, the dub-laden “Bell Ringer” provides a mood-shift for deeper sets, and the kinetic “Does He Rent It Out” can punctuate a transition. On the flip, “Getting Your Palm Read” supplies a high-energy burst for peak moments, while “Manhole” offers a smoother, melodic bridge before “Manhood” closes with a relentless drive suitable for the final push of a night. The release arrives as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of Aubrey’s recent Solid Groove output. The record’s physical presence complements its sonic intent, delivering the tactile experience prized by collectors and DJs alike. Aubrey – The Cheap Knob Gags Trax, Solid Groove SG42, 12-inch vinyl, six tracks, tech house/techno house, released 11 January 2027. Tracklist: A1. Aubrey – At The Crack Of Dawn (1999) Knob 5 A2. Aubrey – Bell Ringer (1999) Knob 5 A3. Aubrey – Does He Rent It Out (1995) Knob 1 B1. Aubrey – Getting Your Palm Read (1995) Knob 5 B2. Aubrey – Manhole (1999) Knob 6 B3. Aubrey – Manhood 1996 Knob 2