Laced with heavy riffs, neck-breaking timing shifts and computer-generated music gifs (okay, that last bit is made up), Val Normal once again illustrate their best in artistry and musicianship with new album ‘Fly the White Flag of War.’

Opener Inked on Eye delights with an intricate guitar line – juxtaposing the harsh vocals (a little in need of tuning perhaps) of front man Dara Walsh. What’s immediately clear is that this album is not for the ear of the unimaginative. Drastic rhythm, timing and instrumental changes break the laws of what many consider to be a song in conventional terms.

This approach may lead to some difficulty as a listener attempts to relate to the music. Yet somehow, Val Normal still manage to wrangle a decent rock melody together – albeit in songs which could accompany the length of a marathon.

Title track Fly the White Flag of War sees the three-piece launch into a Muse-inspired guitar and drum stampede. Somewhat amusingly, the lyrics sing: “I’ll have a drink with them all,” perhaps a satirical jibe on the act of war. Clown the Spade begins similarly and yet surprises with a more bass felt journey, with some insanely fruitful guitar licks on top. It’s certainly their most commercial sound to-date.

Overall however (when hindsight lends itself to the sense of sound), it’s a damn struggle to differentiate between many of the songs. In fact, the album swells and blurs as a result not only of some over-lengthy tracks, but of too many self-indulgent moments. Pugman for an example (first track to be released) develops early on into a bona fide Biffy Clyro inspired belter, only to lose its way well before the song’s final strike.

As They Stood Questioning the Bee is the standout track from the album. It’s a more soft-hand approach to constructing challenging melodies and sporadic changes in tempo and style.

‘Fly the White Flag of War’ will be launched later this month, with a gig in the Button Factory, Dublin on 23 January. You can guarantee Val Normal will bring chaos and energy. Bring the neck brace folks.