What started with a girl humming and singing on a tape recorder quickly turned into one of the most prominent bands in the Japanese underground scene. The original members of Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her were Aiha Higurashi (Vocal and Guitar) and Sachiko Ito (Bass). They had no past musical experience, and didn't know much about playing their instruments, but they went on playing some shows anyway.
Shortly afterward the band finally got their name. The name Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her was taken from the title of a song by the band XTC, from the album The Big Express. The name was suggested by a friend of Aiha's. In interviews Aiha explains that she chose the name because it was really long and hard to remember. The band released their first EP, Seagull to Hell, in 1993. Shortly afterwards, Sachiko left. Aiha then recruited two more members, Nao Koyama (bass) and Takaharu Karashima "Takape" (drums). Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her was born.
The newly reborn band released their second EP, Swallow Up, in 1994. The EP met with great success, and sold out almost immediately. The band released another EP in 1994 before finally putting out heir first full-length album, Give Them Back To Me, in 1996. The album saw collaboration with members of Buffalo Daughter, D.M.B.Q., Museum of Photo, The Evil Hoodoo, and Violent Onsen Geisha, all big names in the Japanese underground scene. The band released two more albums and EPs before releasing the EP, Pretty in Pink in 1999. This EP marks their last work with their drummer Takape, who left after its release. From each release on, the drumming was split between Aiha's husband, Yoshiki Watanabe, and former manager of the band, Yasunobu Arakawa.
The band continued to tour and released two more albums. In 2001, their work saw commercial release. The songs Sentimental Journey and Lullaby, from the album Future or No Future, were both released as two separate singles. In 2002 they released their first compilation album before finally breaking up. After their break up, they released another compilation album in the UK.
During their career, the band showed a lot of creativity and originality. With each release, their sound expanded and evolved. Aiha Higurashi, the driving force behind Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, was obviously influenced by punk rock, but her music shows a lot of other influences as well. From hip-hop, house, pop, to garage, sometimes all in the same song.
Aiha still works today as a solo artist. She continues to expand upon what she started with Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, but doesn't confine herself to just a band sound, allowing her to try things she couldn't do while in a band. She has also dabbled in producing. She's produced songs for former Judy and Mary vocalist, Yuki. Nao Koyama, bass player of the band, is active as well, and is currently playing in a new band.
Rhythm Voice
Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mm, baby, baby, baby
Mm, baby, baby, baby
Mm baby baby baby
Well, well
Well, well
Well, well
She's last drumming coming to my ears, coming to my head
You know, darling, i'll be always here for you
She's last drumming coming to my ears, coming to my mind
You know, darling, i'll be always here for you
Ooh, yeah
Well, well (etc.)
She's last drumming coming to my ears, coming to my head
You know, darling, i'll be always here for you
She's last drumming coming to my ears, coming to my mind
You know, baby, i'll be always here for you
Well, well (etc.)
Oh baby baby baby
Mm baby baby baby
Mm baby baby baby
Mm baby baby baby
Either way you want it, either way you want it, either way you want it, either way
I feel fine, i feel fine
Either way you want it, either way you want it, either way you want it, either way
I feel fine, i feel fine
Ah-how, ah-how, ah-how, ah-how (etc.)
Either way you want it, either way you want it, either way you want it, either way
I feel fine, i feel fine
Either way you want it, either way you want it, either way you want it, either way
I feel fine, i feel fine
Ah-how, ah-how, ah-how, ah-how (etc.)
The lyrics of Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her's song "Rhythm Voice" are best understood as a source of comfort for a lover. The repetition of "mm baby baby baby" and "well, well" at the beginning of the song sets the tone for a calm and reassuring lullaby. The singer tells their beloved that they are always there for them, amidst the rhythm of a distant drumming. The verses are repeated, with slight variations, and then followed by a bridge that repeats the line "either way you want it, either way you want it, either way" with the singer claiming to feel fine. The song ends with a repetition of the opening lines, with the addition of an almost ad-libbed sounding "ah-how" at the end.
Overall, this song could be interpreted as a ballad for a lover who needs reassurance that they are loved and cared for. The drumming becomes a metaphor for the passing of time and the uncertainty of life, but the singer remains steadfast in their love.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm, baby, baby, baby
The singer is expressing a soothing sound as if calming a child with repetitive tender words.
Well, well
The singer starts with a phrase that is commonly used as an interjection to show agreement, excitement or surprise.
She's last drumming coming to my ears, coming to my head
The singer hears the sound of drums in the distance, it is the last sound that reaches her ears and it creates a rhythmic sensation in her mind.
You know, darling, i'll be always here for you
The singer implies to someone that she is devoted to them and will always be there for support.
Ooh, yeah
The singer expresses excitement or enthusiasm towards something.
Oh baby baby baby
The singer repeats an affectionate phrase repeatedly to convey love or fondness for someone.
Either way you want it, either way you want it, either way you want it, either way
The singer conveys a message that the listener can choose any option they desire with the assurance that the outcome will be fine.
I feel fine, i feel fine
The singer repeats a phrase to express a sense of satisfaction and well-being.
Ah-how, ah-how, ah-how, ah-how (etc.)
The singer repeats a nonsensical sound to create a musical effect that complements the rhythm of the song.
Contributed by Blake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.