It has been over 700 days since One Direction has gone on their hiatus. I know, my heart breaks as much as yours every time I see that word. Some argue that this left a boyband shaped void in the music industry that was just asking to be filled.

However, it took some time for someone to come on to the scene who could fill this void. In fact, some argue that even now it hasn’t been filled. A boy band called Why Don’t We, however, has arrived on the scene. Maybe they aren’t here to replace our beloved One Direction (no one can ever do that), but they are here on their own merit and its time that you get to know them. Here’s why:

1. They’re from all over the United States of America...

which means you have a higher chance of knowing someone who knows someone who went to school with a girl who watched their cousin’s cats while their family went on vacation. They come from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Washington, Oregon… and a few of them have moved place to place throughout the years, so there’s plenty of opportunities for weird random connections.

2. They are literally hilarious.

I’ll let this video do the explaining, but you should seriously watch their Instagram stories because I still haven’t stopped laughing about the time that Jack was hiding and Zach was dancing all dumb.

3. Positivity and support for all girls in their new single “These Girls”.

The song highlights literally all women-- no matter their race, ethnicity, career, income, etc. It’s really great that the boys put out a song dedicated to their fans to remind them that they are all individually great and lovable. “Too many girls on my mind”... here’s to hoping I’m one of them.

4. Diversity in instrumental abilities.

While Daniel primarily plays the guitar for the band, he has also played the cello for songs like “Kiss You This Christmas.” Plus, most of the boys know how to play one or more musical instruments.

5. They just played Madison Square Garden…

so we know they’re going to blow up any day now, then. Plus, they were singing alongside musicians like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. This is your chance to get in at the ground level with these up-and-comers.

6. Dancing, dancing, dancing!

Why Don’t We takes us back to the classic boyband vibes with some synchronized dancing. ‘NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, and Boyz II Men would be proud. Unlike One Direction, who openly admitted and embraced the fact that they could not dance, Why Don’t We is out here rocking their abilities and making our hearts melt along the way.

7. Unlike most boy bands, Why Don’t We was not a “product of the industry”.

In fact, the band’s chemistry is truly genuine. They put themselves together after hanging out and having a “jam session”. It just felt right from the very beginning. All the boys were going for their own solo careers until fate collided, and thank God it did.

If this doesn’t make you want to go put the "Invitation EP" on loop for the next six months, then I don’t know what will. Why Don’t We are beauties who deserve as much love and attention as possible. Give them a chance, and you won’t regret it.