Gaffer, a post-hardcore band from Richmond, Virginia, have quickly made their presence known. The four members recently signed to Ephyra Recordings (Cross of Disbelief, Azshara) and just released their new EP, Count to Ten. For now, they split their time between rehearsals, recording, and the realities of high school life.
Gaffer started simply. Drummer Henry Massa messaged guitarist and vocalist Eli York-Brown on Snapchat, and a single hangout turned into months of daily practice. Each member shared similar musical tastes but had struggled to find collaborators, so the chemistry was immediate. "We all liked the same music, all played music, and didn't really have anyone to play with," the band tells No Echo. "Luckily it clicked really, really well."
That common ground shaped a sound that pulls from emo, indie rock, and melodic punk, but never settles into just one style. Gaffer cites Car Seat Headrest, Drug Church, and Modern Baseball as key influences. Bassist Jo Vrbicek and Massa also play in marching band, which they say directly informs their approach to rhythm and percussion.
The Richmond music community has been central to Gaffer's growth. Instead of competition, the band points to the support and encouragement they've found among other local musicians. "The Richmond scene is pretty inspiring, and everyone is just really kind and supportive."
That support helped shape Count to Ten, recorded at White Star Sound in Louisa, Virginia. The EP was produced, engineered, and mixed by John Trainum, whose credits include Destructo Disk, Kanye West, and Kate Bollinger.
Lyrically, the release explores intensely personal territory. "Some themes that kept coming up while writing the EP were regret, betrayal, anger, and fear at times," the band says. "It's a very, very vulnerable project and we think people can really relate to a lot of it."
Even as Gaffer reaches for a wider audience with Ephyra backing them, they stay rooted in Richmond's underground. The band encourages listeners to check out local acts like Tarantula, Becoming, Night Idea, Driftline (with guitarist William Cline), and Machi!, whose debut EP they recommend.
For now, Gaffer plans to play as many shows as possible while balancing school. Touring is still out of reach, but the band hopes to get on the road next summer, keep writing, and return to the studio.
Before that, Gaffer will mark the release of Count to Ten with a show on July 28 at The Camel in Richmond. The band has a clear message for anyone nearby:
"BE THERE!!"
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Gaffer on social media: Instagram
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