Sometimes I miss Motion City Soundtrack’s old school emo alt rock songs more than anything in the world. It’s a distinct sound that’s hard to nail, and finding supplements for that is even more difficult.

That’s where 20 Eyes come in.

The California alt rock band craft pop-tinged punk songs with gorgeous harmonies and goofy solos that recall the early 2000s. On their new single “Bombs Away”, they make melodic verses team up with heart-racing drums for feel good ‘tudes that cheer you up from the worst bummer bouts. And the video gives you a glimpse into the energy of 20 Eyes’ rehearsals and the explosive nature of their performance, paired with dizzying visuals. Prepare yourself for the sharp ending, though. You’re going to be nostalgic for the song’s hooks as soon as those first few seconds of silence following its end creep up on you.

The song gets even better when you know the band’s intriguing backstory.

At age two, frontman Wolf Bradley woke up one morning to find aspiring ballerina Misty Copeland in his room, a vision that seemed far more like a dream than reality. His family invited her to live with them and she began training at their ballet studio. Over the years, she became his de facto sister, unofficial mother, and creative muse while growing up. Her passion and devotion to the art of dance inspired him to find his own outlet, and in a matter of time he fell in love with music. Bradley soon met bandmate Andrew Macatrao at his parents’ ballet studio where he was sent to reform his character after a stint shoplifting.

Bradley’s commitment to his talents shine clearly in “Bombs Away” and in the rest of the group’s music. Be sure to snag a copy here or head to their website to hear the rest of their equally energetic material.