among the bands forming the Seattle Scene Screaming Trees have more psychedelic and "alternative" roots rather than punk and heavy roots
as musicians, the Conner brothers are good, Barret Martin (Mad Season) is very good and Mark Lanegan and his voice gives that extra that elevates them a lot.
in general they come right below PJ Nirvana Soundgarden and Alice in Chains; anyway for some stuff they don't make bad impression in being named with the other bands.
if you want to go with a couple i definetely recommend Sweet Oblivion and Uncle Anesthesia (in order of my preference) .. both a must in a grunge vault
