Ashnikko’s Concord Music Hall concert was one big cardio workout

Fresh off the success of singles “Daisy” and “Slumber Party,” Ashnikko played a sold-out show on Nov. 6, at Concord Music Hall. Entrance to the show required an ID for those who wished to purchase alcohol, and a quick check for a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.

The show included two openers. The first was Chloe Moriondo, an alternative singer with a sweet voice and a handful of slower melodies. The crowd’s energy picked up more towards their final track, an experimental piece entitled “Hell Hounds.”

Following them was DJ Krystal Lake, an incredibly energetic performer who would go on to accompany Ashnikko during her set. She got the crowd moving with chart-toppers such as “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X and “I Like Him” by Princess Nokia.

The opening acts went well, perhaps easing some worries in the crowd. After news of the Astroworld tragedy broke, many groups had been whispering over concerns of safety. 

Throughout the whole night, Ashnikko herself did check-ins, making sure everyone was having fun in a safe manner. There was an incident where a man passed out, but he was immediately helped by those around him and escorted away by security.

The moment they took center stage, Concord Music Hall overflowed with all the pent-up energy that had been building up since the crowd entered the venue. Ashnikko had all the charisma and stage presence of an artist who is passionate about what they do. 

Some of her songs were preceded by a short backstory or explanation about their significance. She spoke genuinely and openly on the importance of consent and the ongoing struggle of loving oneself.

There was also a cheeky explanation behind the “yankee candle” comparison in the track “Manners.” There were other memorable moments, such as the marriage proposal that kicked off the show, and Ashnikko’s appreciation of a doll that a fan made modeled after her.

These breaks and shifts between a few slower and many faster songs made it easier for the crowd to keep going until the very end. Ashnikko made it very clear they wanted to end the show with a bang, even cutting off the encore track “Daisy” and replaying it when the energy was not where she and DJ Krystal Lake wanted it to be.

Overall, it was a great show for one who hasn’t attended a concert since the pandemic began, and Ashnikko closed it off with a final command to see “sweat dripping from the ceiling.”