Kill Hannah Built for "Speed"

A decade after breaking out the Chicago underground, Kill Hannah remains one of the most critically progressive acts in the American electro-rock genre. The group's fifth album, "Wake Up the Sleepers," is set for a Sept. 29 release, but its digital single "New York City Speed" (with "Strobe Lights" b-side) debuted on iTunes this week. You can also check out the songs here on their MySpace page.

Kill Hannah, led by singer-guitarist Mat Devine, continues its blend of electronic dance beats, beefy guitars and melodic vocal hooks, but this time the band produced the album themselves with help from several of their friends. Special guests include the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer (love her), Good Charlotte's Benji Madden (not so much), The Birthday Massacre's Chibi and Powerspace guitarist Tom Schleiter. With a nod to their hometown roots, the group even recruited the Chicago Children's Choir to appear on a few tracks.

Says Devine, "We knew we wanted complete control of the production, we knew we wanted to make it in Chicago, and we knew what we wanted call it -- 'Wake Up the Sleepers' -- a statement of affirmation in a music industry that has tragically lost its way."

Kill Hannah, who will be releasing the album independently, is also offering bonus versions online at their website. These include special packaging, bonus tracks, audio commentary, alternate art, a pendant and the first studio version of fan fave "Welcome to Chicago," depending on which online package you purchase.

The band, who scored the Top 40 rock hit "Lips Like Morphine" from 2006's "Until There's Nothing Left of Us," kicked off their latest tour in San Antonio this week with She Wants Revenge.