On April 1st, those fun-loving Canadian lads will be releasing their new album Hawk Nelson Is My Friend, a pop-punk gem that finds the band collaborating with some old and new friends.

The band wrote long-time friend Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch, Matthew Gerrard (High School Musical, Hannah Montana), Our Lady Peace lead singer Raine Maida (Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson), and ‘80s pop star-turned-hit songsmith Richard Marx (“Right Here Waiting,” Keith Urban).

The video for the first single “Friend Like That” is a reflection of that fun attitude. The song is a pounding rocker with fuzzy, spiralling guitars and fist-pumping “Hey! Hey! Hey!” Ramones-like shouts. Seeking Heaven’s guidance and earthly alliance at the same time, the song declares, “I need somebody on the inside, somebody who can set me free… Make some noise if you feel this way. Anybody got a friend like that?” Lead singer Jason Dunn explains, “So many people are struggling today. Most of all they need a friend, and we believe everyone has a friend in Christ.”

Also available at Canadian Christian retailers on April 1st will be the the Hawk Nelson Is My Friend Special Edition CD/DVD, which includes three bonus tracks, a board game as well as a bonus DVD featuring the making of the album, making of the music video, a music video collection (including a brand new video) and more.

Catch the video for “Friend Like That” in the YMZ Media section.