Words: Eerie Rose Single Artwork: photographed by Dolly Adley and styled by Dolly and Aynjel Adley Launch Party Photos: Adrian Zeqja

On the first day this year it truly felt warm enough to venture out without a proper coat on, I found myself on the bus to Camberwell. Smudging a glittery eyeshadow into the shadow under my brow bone, I hoped it would mask the post-work fatigue that had certainly started to creep across my face. I used to spend lots of time in the area around Camberwell Green, my partner at the time in university halls on the main road, and most of my friends attending one art course or another in the area. I enjoyed the nostalgia whilst looking out of the window in the blue dusky light, noticing what shops had changed and what hadn’t, how different and yet similar the students dress now to when I was one myself. I had good reason to be venturing out - a launch party and evening all-vinyl DJ set celebrating Aynjel’s new track ‘Tell Me When.’ We first met in person shooting one of the main features in 5.18’s last print issue together back in 2023, and so it feels only right to be keeping up with the first single she has released as a solo artist, and following the trajectory of the Aynjel-verse, wherever it may take me.

On this night in particular, it took me to Dash The Henge, an incredibly compact yet perfectly sized record store and live music venue (with adjacent coffee shop and bar) just by Camberwell Green. With a keen focus on local artists and up-and-coming bands, the venue also runs it’s own record label and regularly puts on live events platforming underground talent. Before I even got off the bus, I could see a gaggle of goths beginning to congregate on the street corner and I felt whisked back to the 1980s, queuing up outside the Blitz club waiting for Steve Strange to approve my outfit for entry or not. Aynjel’s dedication to new wave, new romantic and goth records has truly captured the hearts of a cult following of sequin spangled, platform wearing, leather clad creatives, who gather happily at all of her vinyl nights (called Aynjel’s Plastic Club) no matter where the venue is.

Blending an expertly selected mix of records, clearly the collection of someone truly passionate, Aynjel pauses to thank us all for coming and give us the first listen of ‘Tell Me When.’ For a debut single as a solo artist, it’s a serious opening statement. Sonically, it’s quite eerie, the synths feeling both foreboding and alluring at once, with an industrial drum machine rhythm that makes dancing feel almost ritualistic. What I love about the track most, and Aynjel’s work in general, is it’s not in any way a shoddy rip-off of a popular historic era - it’s the dawn of the new wave of new wave, born out of authentic interest and experience. If you like Soft Cell, Depeche Mode and Siouxsie Sioux, then this record is definitely up your alley.

I met up with kind-hearted friends and mutual acquaintances in the narrow record store, pressed up against stacks of vinyl we swayed and shook and stomped until the set was over (one person even exclaimed “it can’t be finished!”). The light was warm and the smell of espresso martini and beer filled my senses. As I walked back to the bus stop to find my way home, I felt rejuvenated - the world today is filled with clout chasing and Tiktok vlogging, endless screen time and AI - so it felt extra special to find this pocket of real-life experience on a regular Wednesday evening, connecting with music and people in a way that felt much more deeply satisfying than simply observing through my phone. Here’s to many more plastic clubs, and many more song releases from Aynjel.

You can stream ‘Tell Me When’ here and follow Aynjel here to stay up to date with new releases and DJ gigs both on radio and in person.

5th April - Aynjel’s Plastic Club at The George Tavern

8th April - Aynjel’s Plastic Club at Ridley Road Market Bar