After nearly eight years had passed from the prior album Hialeah Pink,[3] which Alex McManus spent working with several other indie acts,[4] he released The War of the Bruces.

The album is primarily guitar driven, but there are instrumental appearances of the banjo, sparse horn sections, and minimal use of keyboards layering the compositions;[4] most are played by McManus, including the fiddle.

[3] The lyrics have been described as abstract, and at times metaphorical,[5] and the music as fluid, atmospheric.

[1] The War of the Bruces received somewhat positive reviews; Tim McMahon stated that "McManus' dust-covered melodies are a road best taken".

[9] After staying on the charts for a total of 4 weeks, The War of the Bruces peaked at No.