Just over a week after One Direction announced that Zayn Malik has left the band, the remaining four members have given their first official interview about the future of 1D.

British newspaper The Sun spoke to Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson about life post-Zayn, and the boys had nothing but optimistic and reassuring things to report.

Liam admitted that it was tough coping with Zayn’s decision, saying, “It’s been a tough few weeks, probably the toughest since the band was formed five years ago. We’re gutted that Zayn chose to leave, but now after a few performances as a four-piece, we’re feeling confident and are determined to carry on stronger than ever.”

Louis echoed that sentiment by asserting that “all four of us are 100 percent committed to staying in One Direction,” and insisting they have “so much more we still want to achieve.”

The boys recently wrapped up the South African leg of their On The Road Again Tour, which Louis fondly called “some of the biggest the country has ever seen.”

Part of that is undoubtedly due to the band’s loyal army of Directioners, whom Niall praised for staying by their sides during all the recent turmoil. “The fans are amazing. They are so loyal,” he said. “All we want to do is make them proud and return their faith in us with a brilliant tour and an amazing new album.”

Speaking of an album, Harry confirmed that the band is already working on the follow-up to last year’s Four. “It’s very exciting to be working on our fifth album,” he said. “It shows how incredible the fans have been. A huge thank you to them for everything they’ve done for us. All the love to them.”

So there we have it, 1D fans: although we’re still equally as “gutted” that Zayn has carried on, there’s plenty to look forward to from these four lads!