"Snarky Puppy aren't too likely to win a legion of new fans with Empire Central, which feels like a collection of singles rather than a chronological record. It will however be treasured by fans of the gone-too-soon Bernard Wright, as the keyboardist's last recording. Will loyal Snarky Puppy fans be disappointed? Not likely. They'll be delighted by the band's continued scale and grandeur; for its music that is as unclassifiable as it is virtuosic".
"Snarky Puppy was among the first to employ multiple keyboardists and percussionists amidst brass and guitars, but now you see other bands picking up on it. What began as a full-fledged jazz ensemble has diversified into a genre-crossing unit, changing its sound a bit each time out. Don't be surprised to see them garner another Grammy for this one".