Visiting design critic Armand Mevis put forth an odd obstruction for a handful of students: Start a band and perform live for 45 minutes.

The result, Literary Criticism, is a collaboration between Sebastian Campos, Andrew Shurtz, Roxane Zargham, and Stewart Smith. The website, iron-on clothing, and all print materials for the show were produced by Rebecca Gimenez. ASCII visualizations provided by Michael Gallagher and operated by Dan Michaelson. The first performance was held in Yale's graphic design atrium on Valentine's Day 2007 and featured Andrew on his custom drum kit constructed from various trash bins and chairs.

Rebecca's poster employed several separate obstructions from Armand, including a directive to use the most cliche rock photo composition possible. The inaugural set list was limited to two extended original pieces and one cover, Heartbeats by The Knife.