King Eider (the name is derived from an Arctic duck) is a new Dutch progressive rock project that features the duo Derk-Evert Waalkens (keyboards, drums, backing vocals) and Hans Gerritse (electric – and acoustic guitars, guitar synth, bass, backing vocals) who also plays in other Dutch band NICE BEAVER (what’s in a name?!). The guest musicians are Dik Pomp on drums and Rinie Huigen (ex-Cliffhanger, now Knight Area) and Eric Holdtman, both on vocals.
The music on their debut CD entitled Somateria Spectabilis is rooted in the Seventies symphonic rock tradition (CAMEL, GENESIS AND PINK FLOYD) but has also some neo-prog elements. The keyboards sound varied (synthesizers, organ, piano, wonderful Mellotron samples) and the guitar work is often sensitive and howling with obvious hints from Andy Latimer.