Dr. Boat Administers Electric Guitar Therapy at Bowery Palace

09.03.26 - New York, NY

Photo by Liv Canova

In the late hours of Thursday night on a stage below street level, cosmic rock glam band Dr. Boat turned a basement venue (Bowery Palace) into their very own rock club. 

Minutes before their start time at 10 pm, the four band members started their set off with a bang. The first notes of “Baby Gator” rang with a drive that turned heads at the bar and pulled stragglers toward the stage like moths to a flame. Armed with a glittery silver guitar, frontman Trevor Legeret led his bandmates in a chorus of barks, ending the number with a clarifying “that song was about our dog.” 

Energy was there from the start, but as the set continued on, the group really hit their stride. Legeret could be found on the dance floor at multiple points during the night, strutting around and pausing to hit poses while ringing out guitar lines. During “Flush” he vanished for a moment, reappearing with a roll of toilet paper and a leaf blower and continuing to dance as it unraveled across the room.

The true highlight of the show was guitar lines and solos from Legeret and guitarist Sergio Ripa. Almost every song started with a ridiculously cool hook that jumpstarted any attention that had been lost during the previous. While Legeret, bass player Harlan Beeton, and drummer Max Kalnitz took solos throughout the set, Ripa completely and utterly stole the show with his interjection during a cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” This solo was the kind of thing that forces attention, drags a yell out of your throat, and slams your hands together to clap.  

Also during the “Rebel Yell” cover is when Legeret invited his dad to come up and perform the song. With immediate energy and an intense stage presence, it’s clear to see an inherited showmanship. 

Photo by Liv Canova

After a fervent 45 minutes, Dr. Boat ended their time onstage with “the fastest song [they] do,” “Delusions.” If you ever find yourself looking for a jolt of electric (guitar) energy, this band will give it to you live.