Eva Gonzalez-Ruskiewicz

The drink coasters at Arlene’s Grocery’s College Music Journal showcase on Wednesday night read: “BMI: Here’s to making the right choice!” Luckily, the irony that Broadcast Music, Inc. was hosting a mainly unsigned or independent band lineup didn’t get in the way of an incredible concert.

The most stunning aspect of In Our Bedroom After the War is its craft. The songs are saturated with layered instrumentation and carefully spun narratives, which are often so arresting that the real world pales in comparison to the universes of Stars’ songs.

After a reading of Laura Shamas’ Pistachio Stories at Playwrights’ Week, it’s hard to decide whether one has just had a life changing experience or been lectured to by an overly in-your-face social activist for an hour and a half.