Kurt Vile and Czarface's Esoteric Share a Boston Stage — Thanks to a Pitchfork Review

Kurt Vile and Czarface member Esoteric shared a stage for the first time in Boston on Thursday, July 24, 2026. The night doubled as Esoteric's birthday in his hometown — he joined Kurt Vile's touring band, the Violators, for a live rendition of "Bassackwards," off Vile's 2018 album Bottle It In, handling rap vocals on the track.

From a Pitchfork Column to a Shared Stage

The collaboration traces back a few months. Kurt Vile, long known for rocking a DOOM cap, named Czarface and MF DOOM's 2021 collaborative album Super What? as a personal 10/10 pick in Pitchfork's "Perfect 10" column.

Esoteric spotted the piece and commented directly on the Instagram post: "KV!! Let's make some music!" The offhand invitation eventually turned into reality, culminating in this live team-up in Boston.