Following the acrimonious breakup of Hüsker Dü in 1987, singer/guitarist Bob Mould issued two solo albums before returning to a group format with the power trio Sugar. Their first album, 1992's Copper Blue, was one of the biggest critical hits of early alt-rock thanks to its blend of pop hooks and Mould's roaring guitar sound. A 1993 EP, Beaster, took a darker tone, with nods to Mould's punk roots, while the second album, File Under Easy Listening, combined the best of both previous efforts. Mould brought Sugar to a close in 1996 and returned to his solo career.