by Andy KellmanRob Smith and Ray Mighty unroll the old blueprint they devised for Big World, Small World and tighten their focus on contemporary modern soul and trip-hop for Life Is.... Since Life Is... was released over two years after its predecessor, it's rather puzzling that it comes off as something of a replication of it. A handful of talented vocalists pass the mic around and ruminate on the struggles of going through life and finding the perseverance to make it through. Most of the productions make no attempt to surpass mid-tempo velocity and throw in the occasional drum'n'bass inflection, sticking to those patented Smith & Mighty bass figures and lush textures that they do so well. There's no denying Smith & Mighty's status as an excellent and accomplished production team. From a technical standpoint, they haven't slipped one bit here. Unfortunately, there's also no denying that these pioneers of the Bristol sound seem to be in a bit of a rut, regardless of this record's pleasant, immaculately crafted features. For if there is one word that classifies Life Is... in relation to the remainder of Smith & Mighty's discography, it's stasis. And if there is a second, it's safe.