Lollapalooza is known to put some pretty unusual acts on stage, but this summer’s opener is beyond unusual. Patrick Briggs of New York’s Psychotica has been known to enter the stage by coming out of a mirror ball egg, completely naked and sexless.

“Contrary to popular belief,” Briggs explained, “we don’t do stage stuff just to be wacky or stupid. The visuals are done for what is going on lyrically or vocally, almost like a theater scenario. I picture something visual when I’m writing a song.”

Briggs, who agrees that the entrance is a strange idea, describes Psychotica as the best band he has ever worked with, both as people and as musicians.

“With every band I’ve ever worked with, I’ve felt oppressed,” he said. “With these guys it’s like ‘f— it, let’s do it.’ We put our heads in the chopping ax and if it drops, oh well.”

Psychotica’s theatrical show earned the band a slot on last year’s Lollapalooza Second Stage in New York. Briggs captivated the audience by wearing a rubber suit.

“It bothers me that the stage show had to be used to get the music out there,” Briggs said. “It bothers me because I’m a control freak and in this situation I only have limited control.”

“I have been hearing that people are surprised that they like the music, that always seems to be the word I hear. With all our visuals, they expect the music to suck. I think it holds its own,” Briggs said.

The music blends an underground punk-metal sound with spices of Iggy Pop/David Bowie influences. Psychotica toured with Iggy in April, while Briggs appears with the cult performer along with Bowie, Trent Reznor and L7 in an exhibit in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Along with their overpowering and overwhelming performances, Briggs separates Psychotica from other bands, describing them as the most sexually ambiguous band in America.

“It changes from day to day,” he said. “It’s continually surprising, even to me. As a person, it’s part of what makes life exciting.”

As if Psychotica doesn’t have enough to be excited about. Amanda Scheer-Demme signed the band with American Records after seeing just one rehearsal. Lollapalooza coordinators saw just one show before adding them to the Mainstage line-up.

With their debut CD to be released later this summer, Psychotica has been quickly labeled the band of the future. A label adding some pressure to Briggs and his routine.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t necessarily think that I’m so talented,” Briggs said. “I would like to light a fire for someone else who is talented. We’re shaking things up a little bit.”

“I don’t know if you remember the early ’80s and that whole new wave era, but all of those bands were different. Bands had individuality, and their music was just as different. I think we’ve forgotten that sense of style.”

Psychotica’s style is characterized by the high-life-meets-low-life atmosphere of the New York City club scene. State of the art entertainment meets down and dirty sexual extremity, a perfect twist for Lollapalooza gurus.

“In some ways, they threw us in a show we don’t belong with, just for that reason,” Briggs added. “I like that about it. We’re gonna stick out.”

Briggs, who’s seen everyone from biker gangs to Ozzy fans at his shows, said he has no expectations for Lollapalooza. “I’ll play for 10 people and have fun doing it.”

However, Briggs does encourage everyone to come early. Lollapalooza will hit the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Friday. Tickets are still available for the all-day event.