Entertainment
izna Finds Its Own Rhythm With ‘SET THE TEMPO’: Track-by-Track Review
izna is moving according to its own rhythm with the release of its third mini album, SET THE TEMPO.
Released on June 8, the five-track record arrives nine months after Not Just Pretty. This time, MAI, BANG JEE MIN, KOKO, RYU SA RANG, CHOI JUNG EUN and JEONG SAE BI present a more focused sound while exploring confidence, change, relationships and the bond they share with NAYA.

Led by the title track “METRONOME,” the mini album moves through deep house, pop-rock, hip-hop, R&B and synth-pop without losing its central message: izna will continue at a pace that feels right for them.
“METRONOME”
“METRONOME” opens the album with a steady pulse that immediately establishes the direction of this comeback. The deep house track uses the image of a metronome to represent izna’s decision to follow their own standards despite the noise and pressure around them.
The verses allow the members’ different vocal tones to come through before the production becomes heavier during the chorus. Its instrumental-led hook may feel restrained at first, but it grows more effective with repeated listens. It also leaves enough space for the choreography to become an important part of the song’s overall presentation.
As a title track, “METRONOME” feels confident without trying too hard to prove a point. It presents a more controlled side of izna and gives the group a concept that fits their performance strengths.
“R.I.P.”
The album shifts into pop-rock with “R.I.P.,” a song about leaving the past behind and refusing to carry it into a new chapter.
Its guitar-driven sound brings more energy to the record while the members deliver the lyrics with a sense of release. Rather than treating the end of something as a loss, the track frames it as an opportunity to move forward.
“R.I.P.” also gives izna room to sound less polished and more emotionally direct. The stronger vocals toward the latter part of the song add weight to its message. Although it is one of the shorter tracks on the album, it makes an impression through its clear concept and memorable pop-rock arrangement.
“INFINITY”
“INFINITY” serves as izna’s fan song for NAYA. Members RYU SA RANG and BANG JEE MIN participated in writing the lyrics alongside VVN, making the track one of the album’s most personal moments.
The song expresses izna’s gratitude toward the fans who have remained beside them throughout their journey. Its warm melody complements lyrics about a connection that continues beyond distance and time.
What makes “INFINITY” stand out is its sincerity. It does not rely on an overly dramatic arrangement to communicate its message. Instead, the members’ voices remain at the center of the track. Knowing that SA RANG and JEE MIN helped write the lyrics gives the song additional meaning, especially for fans who have followed them since I-LAND 2: N/a.
Among the five tracks, “INFINITY” carries the strongest emotional connection between izna and NAYA.
“ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS”
“ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS” introduces a playful mix of hip-hop and R&B. Inspired by the familiar game, the song compares its unpredictable results to the push and pull found in a relationship.
The relaxed production allows izna to experiment with a more rhythmic delivery. Its verses feel conversational while the hook keeps the track light and easy to remember. The members move between softer vocals and rap-influenced sections without making the transitions feel forced.
It may have a playful title, but the song adds an important change of pace to the album. “ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS” shows that izna can take on a laid-back sound while maintaining the confidence heard throughout SET THE TEMPO.
Its brief runtime leaves the listener wanting another verse or a longer final section. Still, it remains one of the record’s most replayable B-sides.
“LEAN ON ME”
“LEAN ON ME” closes the mini album on a comforting note. Built around a synth-pop arrangement, the song offers reassurance to someone experiencing loneliness or uncertainty.
The track feels soft without becoming too quiet. Its synths create a nostalgic atmosphere while the members deliver the lyrics with warmth. Instead of ending the album with another high-energy performance track, izna chooses to slow the pace and leave listeners with a simple promise of support.
Placed after the playful “ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS,” the song gives the record a satisfying emotional conclusion. It also highlights the group’s softer vocal colors and provides a calm final moment after the different sounds explored in the earlier tracks.

SET THE TEMPO is a compact album, but each song serves a clear purpose. “METRONOME” introduces izna’s determination to set their own pace, while “R.I.P.” leaves the past behind. “INFINITY” turns the group’s attention toward NAYA, “ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS” explores the uncertainty of relationships and “LEAN ON ME” ends the record with reassurance.
Some of its tracks could have benefited from longer runtimes, particularly when their ideas begin to develop. Still, the mini album feels cohesive and gives each member opportunities to show a different side of her voice.
More importantly, SET THE TEMPO sounds like a step toward a clearer musical identity for izna. The group is no longer simply adapting to different concepts. With this comeback, they are beginning to decide what their own rhythm should sound like.
