The duo set up in a house studio belonging to friends in Surrey in summer 2011 and recorded eighteen of the twenty selections, three of whom were presented in a "live session".

Backlog 2 was not reviewed by publications due to its low-key release but was later ranked at number 13 on WorldMusic.co.uk's list of the "TOP 20 Best World Music Albums of 2011".

Produced by Stu Hanna of the English folk duo Megson, with additional production by Mark Tucker, the album followed a painfully emotion period for Steve Knightley where members of his family battled serious illnesses.

"[6] The album was only released as a limited edition at the duo's concerts and on their website, to show it was for "fans and friends only".

[8] The duo recorded eighteen of the twenty songs for the album in just two days with the help of engineer and producer Mark Tucker.

[10] In an even more barebones style than Covers 2, the songs are recorded simply, and feature no extras, effects or overdubs.

Re-recorded material from the band's first CD album, Beat about the Bush (1994), was placed on the first disc consecutively with "Captains", "The Oak" and "Armadas" appearing as the fourth to sixth tracks.

[4] The second disc features a re-recording of the duo's first single, "Crazy Boy", released from Dark Fields (1997).

The disc also features three live songs from the "house concert", namely "Cut-throats, Crooks and Con-men", "Man of War" and "Unlock Me".

[11] In March 2012, the duo played their fourth performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London, during which they also showcased Backlog 2 material.