The Ferals

Music Connection - December '05
The Ferals made the 14th Annual Hot 100 Unsigned Artists List. The 2005 Hot 100 unsigned artists list is even more competetive than last year. Those involved with determining the results of tis year's poll included Music Connection staff members, journalists, club bookers, publicists and other industry pros.


- Music Connection

THE STORY SO FAR: Together for just over a year, The Ferals are fast becoming one of our favorite all-female punk/rock/post-hardcore/whatever bands: not only do the quartet - vocalist/guitarist Ainjil Halber, guitarist Katie Transue, bassist Shannon Graham and drummer Michelle Silberman - crunch and shred harder than their stereotype-minded male counterparts; they also write songs about it. Or, as Silberman likes to put it, "We're four sexy ladies who can play our instruments and who love to rock! Our songs will make you bang your head to the beats and the two-handed guitar tapping. It's hot."

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW 'EM: Though most of their gigs to date have been limited to Southern California (including an Independence Day stop on Warped Tour '05), The Ferals are working overtime to conquer the other 49 states. "We;re putting together a CD/DVD package so we can start label shopping, becqause we want to tour the world and share our music with everyone," says Silberman. "Music is the reason we get up every morning. We're best friends; we love playing together, and we're in it for the long haul!" -- Terri Hale

YOU LIKE? YOU'LL LIKE: JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS / BAD RELIGION / THE DONNAS
- Alternative Press Magazine

The Ferals mix emo-punk lyrics with rock and grunge riffs for a feline edge that shows knowledge and appreciation of classic artists. Something you wouldn't expect from youngesters like these. Instead of whining about boys, Ainjil's lyrics talk about teaching her man to play guitar and helping him with his car. The Ferals are the high school girls who bought vinyl, and it shows in their music.
Ainjil introduced Katie as the little shredder, and she wasnt kidding. Indie boys, watch out, Katie is scary good and she has an attitude to boot. Shannon holds it down on the bass and can head-bang like a seasoned pro. Michelle sets a kinetic pace on the drums and keeps time, barefoot. Ainjil's voice is strong, her presence is dynamic and she provides harmonic rythm guitar to Katie's virtuosity.

Michelle, Katie, and Ainjil play barefoot and the girls are in near-perfect synch. Ainjil's stage presence was impressive and the crowd reacted to her ever glance, as well as Shannons head-banging. By the end of the set there was moshing and proclamations of love from the audience. In short, the Ferals induced cat-scratch fever.

The Ferals are young, empowered women on the rise and they are a pleasure to listen to and to watch. This act will be performing on the Warped Tour and should be making skater boys swear for years to come. The group is a perfect package of talent, looks and energy.
--Forrest Reda
- Music Connection

Review of June 22, 2005 @ Whiskey A Go-Go (Hollywood, CA)

To my surprise, an all-girl rock band started setting up their gear. Before you knew it, there was what seemed to be a roomful of guys standing behind me in the audience. It's funny how that happens. The name of the band, you ask? The Ferals. Exactly - I had never heard of them, either. However, they sure did rock. Big pop hooks, hot chicks with guitars - how could you go wrong? It seems that, once again, hot chicks with guitars trump all!
--Richie Wu - Skratch Magazine