One Direction have surprised fans with a new single.

The boyband today (July 31) released the track 'Drag Me Down' as the first cut from their upcoming fifth album.

It is the first tune the group have unleashed that doesn't feature former member Zayn Malik, who quit in March.

The song exhibits a maturer sound, with singer Liam Payne saying on Twitter that he hopes fans like it as much as they do.

One Direction's next album is expected to land later this year.

Their last effort 'FOUR' was released at the end of 2014.

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Listen to 'Drag Me Down' below: