perpetual dream theory: a biography
Since their formation in the late 1990s, Perpetual Dream Theory has been a band focused on one goal: to make music that is original, uncontrived and, most importantly—honest.
Singer/songwriter Eryn Holbrook, guitarist Gordon Breckenridge, bassist Todd Holbrook and percussionist Shawn Killaly, are known for their intricate melodies and harmonies, emphasized by Breckenridge’s soaring guitar and Holbrook’s ethereal voice. However, unlike some artists whose atmospheric and dreamlike music can float away from the listener, PDT’s songs are gently focused and brought back to earth by Todd Holbrook’s dynamic bass lines and Shawn Killaly’s creativity and precision on the drums.
Perpetual Dream Theory released their debut album, Now or Never in 2002. A compilation of thirteen original songs (and one by Vancouver songwriter, Leah Abramson), the album is an impressive collection of the band’s earliest efforts. The album garnered positive reviews on CBC’s ZedTV web forum and Vancouver Indie (a web community devoted to promoting local independent music). PDT supported their debut album with shows across the Lower Mainland, providing them with the most meaningful and encouraging feedback a musician can receive: the genuine reactions of the people who came to listen, and then responded deeply to the music.
Pieced together over three years, the band’s second album, A Softer Landing, was released in late 2005. With the same solid songwriting, haunting melodies and delicate, lush arrangements, the album is a beautiful, complete piece unto itself, as well as a promising launching point for future projects. In the short term, Perpetual Dream Theory is working on a remix album as they continue to write and record new material, play more shows and refine their sound.
While their music continues to win over listeners who are seeking an innovative contrast to the music found on mainstream media, Perpetual Dream Theory ultimately measures their success in terms of their own satisfaction. And as the band looks forward to their next evolution, their ultimate goal hasn’t changed. As Eryn Holbrook states it simply, when writing songs she just wants to get the feeling across, “pure and honest.”
I absolutely adore your music. I came across your song while watching Blood Ties and loved it so much I had to look it up and find out who did it. I've been listening to your music ever since.
