In my opinion, there are only three bands that really matter. Decendents, Jawbreaker, Strung Out. The Decendents are as pop as punk should ever sound, Jawbreaker is as "emo" as punk should ever sound, and Strung Out is as metal as punk should be.Then again, this is my humble opinion. Who am I to say what punk should sound like.
This album was Strung Out's second, and I think their best. For the record, I love almost every song they've released, including the ones on "Sonic Defiance". Some of Strung Out's best songs are found on STWB. "Firecracker", "Wrong Side of the Tracks", "Solitare","Six Feet", the list goes on and on.
Talent-wise, there is no comparison to Strung Out. Their guitar licks are jaw-dropping. Jordan, once again in my humble opinion, is the best drummer out there, and it really is a spectacle to see him play live. The lyrics complete the sound, with every song extremely well written and thought out. I could keep writing about this band til carpletunnel sets in, but I wont.
Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues is a masterpiece. Some may like "Twisted By Design" more, but to me it's a very close second place. Any release by this band is worth the 20 bucks, or whatever mega-stores charge these days, but order it from Dr.Strange or some other cool online punk store and save yourself some cash.