1996's "The Natural Bridge's" composition left Burman feeling deeply anxious, resulting in hospitalization for sleep deprivation. Rian Murphy recalled that Berman seemed to be like a "man who was being haunted by ghosts while he was singing". Although it received positive reviews in music publications, Berman choose not tour due to a fear of performing. The resulting pain helped him, alongside Malkmus again, to formulate the new Silver Jews album, the critically acclaimed "American Water" which saw them garner further attention. It has been retrospectively called their "touchstone" album. After "The Natural Bridge", Berman decided that he wanted Malkmus and Nastanovich involved with all following Silver Jews albums.