In mid 2000, Joan of Arc frontman Tim Kinsella reunited with the former members of Cap'n Jazz, namely his brother Mike as the drummer, guitarist Victor Villarreal, and bassist Sam Zurick. The reunion did not include Davey von Bohlen, who was busy with his band the Promise Ring. The new act, which was called Civil War, performed at a fundraising show then spent one week working on songs. In September 2000, Joan of Arc released The Gap through independent label Jade Tree. To promote the album, Joan of Arc, with Zurick in the line-up, embarked on an unsuccessful tour and were greeted with tiny crowds, and the band experienced internal strife.
