"Without doubt, Splinter underlines that Gary Numan remains a relevant artist. Robin Finck's presence on guitar, in common with much of Numan's work over the last decade, has given the music a Nine Inch Nails feel at times (Numan and Trent Reznor are mutual fans), but this enhances the industrial sounds Numan is renowned for and helps propel his sound into the future once again, with a distinctly dark feel. It adds up to one of his most vital offerings since those heady days of old".