Live Review: Ashnikko @ Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta - May 2nd, 2026

7 days ago
3 min read

Three performers in colorful costumes pose energetically on a stage with whimsical scenery. Blue light sets a dramatic mood. — Ashnikko photo by Anna Daugherty

It takes a real artist to turn a concert into a whole other universe, and that's exactly what Ashnikko did when she transformed a sold-out Coca-Cola Roxy into a surreal wonderland known as "Smoochie World." The night was a masterclass in maximalist theater, with an audience dressed to the nines in DIY outfits crafted from every object imaginable, perfectly feeding into the "trinket" theme of the Smoochies era. From the jump, the show leaned into a high-fantasy, avante-garde aesthetic that felt both whimsical and intentionally absurd.

The set began with a cinematic voiceover of Ashnikko rummaging through her purse, only to find a tiny door at the bottom. She emerged onto the stage as if crawling out of that very bag, greeting the crowd by marveling at how many people were "at the bottom of her purse." A North Carolina native, she also took a heartfelt moment early on to shout out her love for performing in the South.

Performer with blue hair on stage, kneeling under pink and purple light. Wearing striped and polka dot clothes. Energetic mood. — Ashnikko photo by Anna Daugherty

The production was theatrical to the core, utilizing props that felt like a "junk journal" come to life. During "Trinkets," a pair of dancers dressed as crows brought out a "trinket trunk," later leading into a charade where Ashnikko explored various ways to be "reborn," suggesting a shoe for a hat or an aquarium for a dress as the dancers held up matching cutouts. For another track, a giant lip gloss prop was brought out for a choreographed application, further immersing the room in the playful, purse-bottom world.

When “Manners” rolled around, Ashnikko started with a chant of the chorus, getting the whole crowd to join in. After that, it was a whole run of some her biggest hits, keeping the crowd energy high, with a big dance break for “STUPID” and bringing out prop weapons to dance with for “Tantrum.”

Three performers in colorful costumes stand on stage with whimsical props. A sign reads "Full Frontal Lobotomy Here." Bright, playful mood. — Ashnikko photo by Anna Daugherty

There was then a section for her first album, “WEEDKILLER,” playing some fan favorites like “Chokehold Cherry Python” and “Possession of a Weapon.” She then shifted the energy, delivering a speech about the lies women are told regarding beauty and value, urging the audience to prioritize kindness and care for one another. This moment of vulnerability led into an emotional performance of "It Girl."

People in colorful outfits and headpieces smile and watch a performance. The setting is energetic, with vibrant colors and an excited mood. — Ashnikko's fans photo by Anna Daugherty

The voiceover returned for the final leg, declaring that the "Smoochie girl needed to dance." This launched a high-energy sequence beginning with a club-bouncer skit and the various signs on stage lighting up in neon. The props continued to appear, featuring fur coats for "Wet Like," a giant needle for "Full Frontal," and ocean waves for "Liquid." Ashnikko then again paused to admire the creativity of the fans' outfits, particularly their hats, and brought an individual named Kenny on stage to be crowned the "Smoochie of the night."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ME2EHO0zc

Ashnikko "Smoochie Girl" Music Video

The night closed with a triple-threat of bangers, ending in her breakout hit "Daisy." Ashnikko took her final bow wearing her own crazy hat and a feather boa, leaving the Atlanta crowd with a vivid memory of a world that was equal parts absurd, beautiful, and undeniably Ashnikko.