Ep 8. E.A.B.

In season 1 episode 8 of Vinyl, entitled E.A.B., tensions rise as Richie Finestra (played by Bobby Cannavale), the founder of American Century Records, struggles to stay afloat in the music industry. As the episode begins, Richie is watching a recording of the future Led Zeppelin's performance, which he intends to use to secure a better record deal. However, he's also preoccupied with his troubled marriage to Devon (played by Olivia Wilde), who has been hiding her relationship with photographer Ingrid from him.

Meanwhile, Clark (played by Jack Quaid) and Jorge (played by Christian Navarro) are working on a new song for their band, the Nasty Bits, and are searching for a new drummer. They come across a talented young musician named Casper who agrees to join the band. However, their rehearsals are interrupted by a group of skinheads, who attack them in the park. The Nasty Bits retaliate, leading to a violent confrontation.

At the same time, American Century's A&R executive, Julie (played by Max Casella), is trying to court a wealthy investor in order to save the struggling label. She sets up a meeting with the investor, where Richie pitches his vision for the future of American Century. However, the investor is more interested in Julie and proceeds to make a pass at her, leaving her feeling uncomfortable.

As the episode progresses, Richie becomes increasingly unstable, relying on drugs and alcohol to cope with the pressures of the music industry and his failing marriage. He reaches out to his estranged father, who gives him some perspective on his life and career.

The episode ends with a climactic showdown between the Nasty Bits and the skinheads at a club gig, where the tension and violence reaches a fever pitch. Richie finally confronts Devon about her affair and they come to a difficult decision about the future of their marriage.

Overall, E.A.B. is a dramatic and intense episode that showcases the complexities and struggles of the music industry in the 1970s. It highlights the various pressures that Richie Finestra and his colleagues face as they try to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, while also exploring the personal relationships and conflicts that drive the characters. With a mix of rock-and-roll energy, emotional drama, and gritty realism, this episode is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.