(The following is part two of a two-part Pencil Storm piece by yours truly, JCE. Each part is a review of a new record on which the bass playing is handled by my good friend Randy Mendicino. In Part One, I wrote about one of those new records, by The Melody Chamber. If you missed it, you can go back and read that right here on Pencil Storm. As I noted previously, Randy has been a part of many bands, including 98 Colours, The Dollmakers, Cellophane, Spike the Dog, Heath Haynes & the Crying Shames, Spits USA, Horsehead, The Melody Chamber and The Pollocks among others. Today we cover a spectacular new forthcoming record by The Pollocks, to be called Summer of Love. This band is the primary focus of Randy’s musical endeavors. You can read even more about them here: The Pollocks at the Batesville Market; A Back To Basics Beautiful Rock & Roll Experience — Pencil Storm.)
PART TWO: THE POLLOCKS - SUMMER OF LOVE
The Pollocks – L to R: Randy Mendicino (bass), Jason Pollock (guitar, vocals), Maryline Meyer (vocals, percussion), Nathan West (drums), Thomas Gunn (guitar, vocals)
The Pollocks dropped a new single in August called “Summer of Love.” I was hooked from the very first listen. I was also excited that the song was made available on major streaming services, which has not been the case with any of their prior releases (All of The Pollocks music has just recently been made available, so go take a deep dive!). Not too long after, I learned that the band had a completed full-length record ready to go. I was honored to be able to give it a listen prior to its formal release. The record is a mixture of Americana with a very small bit of country twang and plenty of pure shimmering pop. I hear a little bit of Drive-by-Truckers and maybe some Wilco, but what I hear the most in this new record is almost more similar to Tom Petty. And that’s an intentionally high compliment. The new songs are instantly catchy.
(As an aside, I was able to catch the band live on November 15, 2025, after the single was released but prior to my hearing the full-length record. I heard many of the songs that evening, and they stuck with me to the point that I remembered them vividly upon getting the unreleased tracks. So, from here on, if I reference the song being played live, I am referring to the November 15th performance.)
I am going to briefly run through the upcoming record track-by-track (the order of the tracks is random at this point), and then I’ll ask Randy Mendicino a few questions and post a video. So, let’s go!
1. “Better When You’re Drunk” – This one kind of falls in line with its title. It’s just a fun rock n roll song (“I like you better when you’re drunk”). This one was great live. To me, it’s a live song that maybe you play late in the set. The crowd is fully into it, they’ve had a drink or two, and dancing is sure to be involved. I would also note that the band often plays some extended, jam-filled versions of songs live, so the fact that this song is the only one on the record that exceeds five minutes in length made me very happy. The extended live versions are awesome, but on record, I much prefer shorter songs.
2. “Carried Away” – This one is even more up my alley. It’s a straight-ahead pop rock n roll song, three and a half minutes of bliss.
3. “Dancing in the Rain” – This is another strong track. I’m definitely convinced already that this record is the best one yet from The Pollocks…but it gets even better.
4. “Got it Made” – This one slows down a bit, but not in a bad way. It’s a pretty song…but they get even prettier.
5. “Honey Bee” – This song is a catchy, fun one that came off well live. I like it, but maybe don’t quite love it. It’s far from a weak track, and actually, I suspect that there will be many people that will say it’s their favorite track of the whole new bunch. The guitars are excellent in this one which is why it’s better live to me. Thomas Gunn can shred when he wants to.
6. “How Many Ways” – And there it is. Now we’re really rocking. This is among my four favorite songs on the release. It’s up tempo and sounds fantastic both live and on the record.
7. “In the Storm” – This tune is another of my favorite tracks. It’s got an instantly catchy chorus that will have you singing along for sure.
8. “Language of Oxygen” – First of all, what a cool title for a song. This song is so soulful. When I heard it live, I was just swaying to the music right there on my barstool. They played an amazing version live, but the recorded version is outstanding as well. This one is the one I had in mind when I said the songs could get even prettier than “Got it Made.” This is another favorite. It’s a beautiful song.
9. “Lucky Day” – I can’t place who this reminds me of, but it’s a good rock n roll song. Another winner for me.
10. “Summer of Love” – I can see why this was the advance single that was released, and why it is also going to be the title track for the new record. It’s just a great song. I mean really great. Roll down your car windows and play this loud. It’s pop perfection.
11. “White Buffalo” – This one is just a little bit different. I hear The Black Keys, or something. I don’t know. I think that’s who I hear. It’s another solid tune.
The record is nothing short of excellent. Anyone who has seen The Pollocks would know that this is a collection of very talented musicians, but that doesn’t always mean that they can make a great record. The songwriting here is fantastic. They knocked this one out of the park for me. The songs are diverse, but as a set, they make for a really cohesive record with no weak spots. This gets ten out of ten stars.
I asked Randy to once again subject himself to a conversation with me and a few questions, so here goes:
JCE: Randy, thank you so much, and thanks to the rest of the band for letting me hear these songs ahead of their release. Let’s start with that— any idea when the rest of the world can start loving this record?
Randy: I believe it’s release is tentatively scheduled for Spring, 2026.
JCE: How long has the record been in the works? I heard a bunch of these songs live in November, but I haven’t caught the band enough to know how long you’ve been playing them. Are they all relatively new tunes?
Randy: Some of these songs were born during Covid times. Others are more recent. Honestly, Jason & Thomas write so many songs and are constantly bringing in new material, I can’t remember which songs came in when.
JCE: The Pollocks prior releases have been available on Bandcamp, but not Apple and Spotify, etc. Any specific reason this one is going out to the masses? It most certainly needs to be heard, so I think it’s great that it will be out there. And it’s great that the older releases are now being made available too.
Randy: Jason decided to make the single “Summer of Love” available. I’m not sure why, but I’m happy it’s now out there. Currently available on Spotify are The Pollocks albums, Rock House, Set & Setting and Johnny Sunshine & The Rainbows.
JCE: Do we know if the record will be available on vinyl?
Randy: I sure hope so!
JCE: Am I correct that all songs were written by Jason and Thomas? Maybe tell me a little bit about the creative process for the band.
Randy: Jason and Thomas write a lot of songs, together and individually. They’re constantly bringing in new material. They’ll bring something in and present to the band where the song gets fleshed out. My rhythm section mate, Nathan West, and I have been working together for quite a while now. He’s been with Jason from the start of the band)and we have a good sense of what we feel will best serve the song. I don’t recall ever having to struggle to come up with parts for their songs and everyone is easy to work with. Close to effortless!
JCE: You’ve been in The Pollocks for quite a few years now. When did you join? And is it safe to say that this is one of your favorite bands that you have been a part of? All of you guys (and gal) sure look like you’re having fun when I see you play.
Randy: We DO have fun playing together! I joined in May of 2017. I’d never heard of The Pollocks. One day in 2016 as I was driving, I heard one of their songs on the radio. I so loved what I heard that I immediately pulled over to listen and discover who was responsible for creating this music. It was The Pollocks. I was surprised to find out not only were they from right here in Virginia but based in Batesville just outside of my hometown of Charlottesville. I started attending their live shows. I felt a connection to the music right away and once I met the band I was sold. They had such great collective energy. I had to play with them. They gave me a chance in May of 2017 and they’ve let me hang around ever since. It's definitely safe to say this is one of my favorite bands that I’ve been a part of.
JCE: The band plays a monthly gig at the fantastic Batesville Market. I know you’ve played Pro Re Nata Brewery before. How often do you play live, generally?
Randy: We’ve had a residency at The Batesville market for years. We’re there every 2nd Saturday of the month. The Batesville Market is a real treasure. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it. There’s a lot of love in that room! We play elsewhere as well with more dates in the spring and fall of every year.
JCE: I’ll let you go, Randy. Thanks again for doing this. The new record is fantastic, so congrats. I hope the family is well. Take care, and I’ll plan to see you soon at a show! Anything else you want to throw in?
Randy: I think that does it. You’re welcome. Thanks John. It’s always great to chat with you! Looking forward to our paths crossing sometime soon! Ciao.
For now, the video below is all that is readily available. It is the title track for the upcoming record. The single is streaming everywhere now. In my opinion, it’s an instant classic!
“Summer Of Love” by The Pollocks
JCE, or John to his friends, is a lifelong music fan living in rural central Virginia. From his first plastic record player, to his transistor radio, to his years immersed in the music scenes of D.C., and then Charlottesville, he has never stopped pursuing new music.
He is 62 years old, married 34 years and has a grown daughter. He is retired and life is good.