Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

I’m still not overly hyped about Victon’s comeback track, but the mini album is stronger than Nostalgic Night would have you believe. Farewell is a great pop anthem, but it’s Hands Up that really stole my heart. As soon as I heard it, I felt like I was back in the thick of second gen K-pop. The song sounds like Beast mixed with a bit of Bigbang, with unrelenting energy and a simple — but effective — hook.

The combination of the guys’ vocal timbres, the chugging club beat and the stadium-ready, sing-along chorus feels very nostalgic. I can’t believe I’m already nostalgic for music that came out less than a decade ago, but it feels like a lifetime since a song like Hands Up was promoted as a title track. I can see why the guys opted to go with something moodier for this important comeback, but now that I know they’re capable of this, I selfishly want Victon to become a full-on 2012 pop tribute act! Hands Up’s single-mindedness offers little surprise, and that will likely affect its longevity. However, you’re not really thinking about those things while on the dancefloor, and the track’s rush of rousing spirit is hard to resist.

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