First/Last-Cobalt Cranes

"Led by Kate Betuel and Tim Foley, Cobalt Cranes blend elements of grunge, psychedelic and shoegaze sounds into a sort of post-garage modern take on California rock. Since their  2010 EP In Media Rez, the band has been winning over critics at The Fader, LA Weekly, LA Record, Impose and more with male / female vocal layers, fuzzed out guitar, catchy bass lines and big drums.   Their newest album, Head In The Clouds is heavily influenced by hard rock album narratives of the early 70s and versatile shoegaze rock of the early 90s. They also explored and expanded upon what is considered the "California sound."

Check out the band at their official Website, Facebook, BandCamp and Twitter. The California duo will be playing Pittsburgh this Sunday at Howlers Coyote Cafe in support of their latest album, the fantastic "Head in the Clouds" along with Josh Berwanger, Diva 93, KMFD and Stranded Aliens. Many thanks to Tim Foley (Guitar/Vocals) and Kate Betuel (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Tim Foley: Nirvana's “In Utero”. I bought it at Tower Records.
Kate Betuel: ‘The Little Mermaid’ soundtrack on cassette. I bought it at a warehouse music store with my allowance.

Your last album bought?
Tim: “Led Zeppelin II”.
Kate: Chelsea Wolfe “The Grime and The Glow”.

Favorite album of all time?
Tim: “Exile on Main St.” by the Rolling Stones.
Kate: This is a question I try to avoid because it changes all the time but my current favorite is “Bleach” by Nirvana.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Tim: Can't think of any.
Kate: Can't think of one.

First concert attended?
Tim: Rage Against the Machine at Arco Arena in Sacramento. It was frightening and exciting.
Kate: Elliott Smith at the Wiltern in Los Angeles. My friend only had one ticket but I managed to sneak in. It was a great show. Grandaddy opened.

Last concert?
Tim: Los Craters. They're a great garage rock band from LA.
Kate: It was an Aftergloam show in Los Angeles. They're an LA band that we play with a lot. They're songs stick with you.

Favorite concert ever?
Tim: Aerosmith. I saw them when I was young. They had a mini stage set up at the back of the stadium, and in the middle of the show they ran out and played a couple songs to the nosebleed seats where I was.
Kate: X at the House of Blues in 2011. Seeing them play in LA in a small venue was mayhem. It was packed. It felt like the walls we're sweating. As soon as they hit the first note, the crowd went crazy. My friends and I got instantly separated. We wound up taking separate cabs home. X are amazing live. It was epic!

Least favorite concert?
Tim: Don't have one.
Kate: I can't think of one.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Tim: Can't wait to play there!
Kate: I've never been to Pittsburgh. I hope we'll have some time to check it out.

Thanks, Tim and Kate. Totally loving your music. Hope you both have a little time to peruse our fair city.