W: Peter James May

Scottish four-piece Mixed Signals have officially released their latest track, ‘Ghosts,’ a soaring alternative rock anthem born from the restless energy of small-town life. Formed in early 2024, the Ayr-based outfit—comprising frontman Ben Gardiner, guitarist James Armstrong, and bassist Leon Calder—began as a spontaneous backing band for a charity gig. However, the natural chemistry found over pints and rehearsals quickly solidified into a permanent project. Taking their name from a track by The Night Café, the band has rapidly carved out a sound that balances melodic urgency with atmospheric depth.

Drawing on a rich tapestry of influences, Mixed Signals blend the raw emotion of Biffy Clyro and Wunderhorse with the arena-ready hooks of Inhaler. While listeners might catch flashes of Oasis-inspired swagger or Foo Fighters grit, the band’s identity is firmly rooted in a modern, cinematic indie-rock aesthetic reminiscent of Radiohead and Muse. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and distinctly their own, driven by soaring hooks and powerful riffs.

Their new single, ‘Ghosts,’ marks a significant step forward for the band. Written in Glasgow during a collaborative session between Gardiner and Elizabeth Elektra, the track captures a feeling of restlessness and the desire for something more. Set against the backdrop of small-town life, it reflects the moment when familiarity starts to feel limiting, where weekends blur together and the same routines begin to lose their meaning.

Like much of Mixed Signals’ music, the single reflects the emotional push and pull of young adulthood. Frontman Ben Gardiner notes that their music often centres on the highs and lows of relationships, focusing on the swing between heartbreak and hope that most people can relate to. To hear the new sound in person, you can catch them playing at Nice 'N' Sleazy in Glasgow on June 21.