HUSKER DU-Metal Circus (SST/Reflex, EP
     A large "no man's land" exists between hard-
core and more pop-oriented music and Husker Du,
on this new 7-song EP, liberally crosses back
and forth over that imaginary area and tries to
merge the two styles with brilliant success.
"Metal Circus" offers the best of both worlds and
is easily the best thing this Minneapolis band has
done to date.  This record harkens back to the
incredible "In A Free Land" single, with many
songs recapturing the pop-thrash of that stellar
tune.  "Real World," my favorite track, is exem-
plary of the mood of this EP, with Bob Mould's
raw, but jangling guitar and hoarser than usual
vocal, Greg Norton's jackrabiit bass and Grant
Hart's nimble drums.  And it doesn't let up from
there.  The lyrics show an often biting cynicism
and feelings of helplessness, be it about the
perceived personal futility of demonstrating a-
gainst nuclear war ("Deadly Skies") or how the
"Real World" doesn't have a place for idealistic
endeavors such as anarchy.  The first side is a
full-throttle thrash session, but melodious mo-
ments pop through quite a bit, such as on "It's
Not Funny ny More."  The Huskers' more diverse
side shows up on the chilling "Diane," a slow-
paced 5 minute song that ain't no love song,
although you might think so from the song's
mood; rather it's about picking up a hitchhiker
and raping and killing her.  "Out On A Limb" is re-
miniscent of Mission of Burma at their noisiest.
Who knows what's next for this band?  Husker Du
are constantly evolving.  I do know this EP will
keep me satisfied for a while.  (P.O. Box 1
Lawndale CA 90260