JPEGMAFIA @ Barrowlands, Glasgow, 30 Mar

While anticipatingly waiting for JPEGMAFIA – known to fans as Peggy – to appear on stage, it's impossible not to notice the pre-show playlist booming out of the ballroom speakers; the amusing mix of Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Rihanna has the crowd screaming within minutes.

As JPEGMAFIA arrives on stage, his presence is immediate. Standing centre, proudly staring out into the crowd, he takes a minute to appreciate the thundering chant of “Peggy” that welcomes him. “This one's called Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot," he calmly informs the crowd before spurting out into a bouncing figure. Launching himself from one side of the stage to the other, his voice is raw from use, yet his formidable bellows are still arresting.

JPEGMAFIA is a one-man show, it's just him and some equipment at the back of the stage, meaning he has to keep running back and forth, teasing the hyped crowd with which song is next. He abruptly stops. “You know what I see?” he asks. “All I see is beautiful, beautiful hair.” A second of confusion hits the audience as they try to figure out this sudden declaration. “You’ve got beautiful hair, and you’ve got beautiful hair.” Peggy carries on, dismissing the uneasy cheers. “But you know what’s missing? Where are all the bald bitches at?” The sudden mention of BALD! sends the crowd into a frenzy as the trap-infused beat begins to blast.

The usual chants of “Here we fucking go” and “One more tune” are deafening tonight. Peggy appears appreciative of the Glasgow crowd, but he looks equally taken aback, struck by the response. In return Peggy provides fan service, running down to the barrier and interacting with the crowd, which a year ago would not have been possible. 

The set takes a calmer turn as Peggy politely asks if he can sing Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen, which is met with an agreeable cheer. With a dimly lit spotlight on him, he swiftly begins an a capella version of the hit 2012 pop song, his breaking voice all the more evident now. As the show draws to a close, a wave of appreciation washes over the ballroom as he leaves the stage. His ability to make a stage feel full performing solo is admirable. Despite obvious issues with his voice, JPEGMAFIA provides a set of extreme ferocity, leaving many fans more than satisfied.