New Order experienced a burst of creativity as it prepared to record "Waiting for the Sirens' Call," its first album since 2001's "Get Ready." As previously reported, the 11-track set is due March 28 via Warner Bros. in the United Kingdom and April 26 in North America. First single "Krafty" is due for commercial release on a date to be announced.

The propulsive, smile-inducing track was premiered late last week on BBC Radio 1. Warner Music Japan's Web site is also streaming the single, which features shades of Joy Division's "Atmosphere" at its outset and the classic New Order single "Regret" during its bridges.

"We usually do just enough for an album -- 10 songs and it's done," frontman Bernard Sumner says. "[But] the seven tracks left off 'Sirens'' are so strong that they are likely to form the basis of a future LP."

Guitarist Phil Cunningham, who toured with New Order in support of "Get Ready," makes his studio debut on the new album. "I found it strange at first," he says, "because New Order use a lot of technology. And sometimes they reject stuff because it sounds 'too New Ordery.'"

But as Sumner points out, "It's the heart and the soul of New Order that's important," explains Bernard. "If something sounds like a pastiche, that's not good enough."

The album was co-produced by the band with Stephen Street, John Leckie and Stuart Price. Scissor Sisters vocalist Ana Matronic guests on "Jetstream." Other tracks set for inclusion are "Working Overtime," "I Told You So" and "Hey Now What You Doing."

New Order will tour in the months ahead in support of the new album and is one of the top acts rumored for the sixth Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, to be held April 30-May 1 in Indio, Calif.