Scottish alternative rock band Mixed Signals is building on a breakout year with the release of “Ghosts,” a new single that explores the tension between comfort, change and the desire to move beyond familiar surroundings.

The Ayr-based trio released the track after a period of growing momentum that has included a sold-out debut headline show in Glasgow, a headline performance at the city’s iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and an appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2025.

Written during a songwriting session in Glasgow between frontman Ben Gardiner and musician Elizabeth Elektra, “Ghosts” examines the feeling of outgrowing routines and places that once felt like home.

Set against the backdrop of small-town life, the song captures the point at which familiar surroundings begin to feel restrictive and personal growth requires difficult decisions.

At its core, the track explores the lingering influence of past relationships, old habits and previous versions of oneself.

The title itself serves as a metaphor for those lingering attachments.

The “ghosts” referenced throughout the song represent memories and patterns that continue to shape people long after they believe they have moved on.

The theme aligns closely with the band’s broader songwriting approach, which frequently centers on relationships and emotional transitions.

“Unintentionally, our music often centers on the highs and lows of relationships,” Gardiner said. “There are countless ways one person can make you feel in a single day, and most people can relate to that swing between heartbreak and hope.”

Mixed Signals formed in early 2024 after what was initially intended to be a one-time performance.

Gardiner needed a backing band for a charity concert and recruited university friends James Armstrong and Leon Calder. What began as a temporary collaboration quickly developed into a permanent project as the musicians discovered a natural chemistry.

The band’s name comes from a song by Liverpool indie band The Night Café, a title that eventually became part of the group’s identity.

Musically, Mixed Signals draws influence from a range of British rock acts, including Inhaler, Biffy Clyro, Wunderhorse, Radiohead, Muse and Snow Patrol. Their sound combines melodic hooks, driving guitar work and emotionally focused lyrics.

Each member contributes a distinct element to the band’s style. Gardiner’s songwriting emphasizes relatable storytelling, Armstrong’s guitar work adds atmosphere and intensity, and Calder’s bass lines provide much of the music’s momentum.

The band has steadily expanded its audience since its formation. Their debut single, “Are You Satisfied?,” has accumulated more than 300,000 streams online, helping introduce the group to listeners beyond Scotland.

With “Ghosts,” Mixed Signals continues to lean into themes that resonate with young adults navigating uncertainty, personal growth and changing relationships.

As the band reaches larger audiences and bigger stages, the song serves as both a reflection on leaving the past behind and a snapshot of a group entering a new chapter of its own.