Better Days: A Feel-Good Throwback To 90s Indie Rock
Since announcing himself with Beyond the Sun
in 2024, Sean Coady has been building an increasingly impressive catalogue of original material while picking up national and regional radio play across Ireland. His music combines heartfelt, reflective songwriting with an upbeat indie rock energy, creating songs that feel rooted in classic guitar music while still sounding distinctly his own.
Growing up in the 1990s, it's perhaps no surprise that Coady's music carries the influence of that era's guitar-driven scene. But rather than simply looking backwards, he takes those influences and gives them a contemporary twist.
2026 has already been a productive year for Coady. Earlier singles Diggin It
and Summer Sky
picked up playlist support and radio airplay, helping to put his music in front of an increasingly wider audience.
Now comes Better Days, and it's arguably one of his most immediate releases yet.
From the opening moments, the track comes charging out of the blocks. It's a high-energy, uplifting slice of 1990s-inspired rock 'n' roll and modern indie rock, built around rhythmic electric guitar strumming, infectious melodies and big, soaring hooks.
There's a real sense of optimism running through the track. Even with its gritty rock foundation, Better Days has a feel-good quality that makes it an easy song to throw on when you need a bit of musical encouragement.
The biggest attraction here is undoubtedly the guitar work. Coady embraces the rawer side of 90s indie rock, with chunky electric guitars providing the backbone while the melodies give the track plenty of lift.
Vocally, Coady opts for a grounded and slightly raspy delivery that adds character without overpowering the song. There's a rawness to his voice that fits perfectly with the track's classic rock 'n' roll foundations.
Fans of the Britpop and 90s alternative rock era may find themselves hearing echoes of artists such as Liam Gallagher and Richard Ashcroft, particularly in the combination of gritty vocals, melodic songwriting and guitar-led arrangements.
The important thing, though, is that Better Days
doesn't come across as a nostalgia exercise. Coady clearly understands the music that influenced him, but he's using those sounds as a foundation for developing his own identity.
Better Days
was recorded at JAM Studios in County Meath, with Martin Quinn behind the production. The studio setting suits the track's big, guitar-heavy sound, allowing the energy of the guitars and vocals to come through without losing the melodic side of the song.
It's another promising release from an artist who appears to be building momentum one single at a time.
Better Days
is Sean Coady at his most upbeat and immediate. There's no shortage of 90s indie rock influence here, but the combination of gritty guitars, soaring hooks and Coady's distinctive vocal delivery gives the track enough personality to stand on its own.
For anyone who enjoys guitar-driven Irish indie rock with a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia, Sean Coady's Better Days
is well worth adding to the playlist.
The single, Better Days, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Sean Coady