"Brilliant self-penned songs, great arrangements and a colorful palette of vocal and musical talent!", "One of the most accomplished reggae artists in this country!", these are just some of the superlatives with which Pura Vida, brainchild of Bregt De Boever, is described and the release of their first album created high expectations. 'Struggle In The City' appears on the Ghent based Kinky Star label (see also 't Hof van Commerce) and gives a wonderful insight into the world of Pura Vida. The cover, with illustrations by Nina Schelfhout, does not scream reggae just like the band's name for that matter. That trend is continued nicely with opening track 'Third World', which with an ambient intro of more than two minutes gives the illusion never to head down the reggae path, but in the end does so anyway. In addition to Bregt's voice you will hear the vocal contributions of Saimn-I and Collieman, both giving the album a richer sound. Influences of classic roots bands like The Congos ('Babylon Will Fall', 'Meditation') - with whom Pura Vida collaborated already - are never far away. Make no mistake; this is not a languid Sunday afternoon album, but top level heavy roots.