Whips “Turn It On” 2014. Local Milwaukee band the Whips’ sophomore release on purple marbled-vinyl. We’re heading to Club Garibaldi’s tonight to see the Whips play WMSE Local Live, a preparatory show, broadcasted live, for their third album release party at Cactus Club on Friday (the album The Ride drops on Friday but can be streamed today here). Turn It On is vaguely sinister yet upbeat indie rock; the members of the Whips are current and past members of other local bands including Red Knife Lottery, Hot Coffin, The Academy Is, Space Raft and Call Me Lighting. Singer Ashley Smith’s dynamically-ranged vocals are crisply clear and gently hostile and Christian Hansen’s guitar is tinged with psycho-surf (“Fire Drill”). The tracks on Turn It On range from hard-driving (“Switchblade,” “Right On”) to piano-accompanied ballad sweet (“Forever Glow”). I’m looking forward to tonight’s performance: 1. It’s free; 2. It’s early (6:00!!!); 3. The band takes interview questions between songs so we will get to learn more about them. Tune into 91.7 WMSE at 6:00. I’ll be there.