The Black Sands ov Eternia

by Bill CasselThe Black Sands ov Eternia is trippy, blunted stuff, full of lazy beats and philosophical rhymes. Lovers of mind-bending hip-hop will be intrigued but probably unsatisfied; "Mercury Rising" is far out, to be sure, but maybe too far out -- it feels ragged and unfocused. Many of the tracks are short, experimental snippets; others go on at excessive length. Though the record is thoughtful and sincere, and pleasant enough to listen to -- in particular boasting some very skilled drum programming -- it simply lacks the distinct flavor that would lift it above the pack.