Last we heard from Boston producer Mercet, he was preparing to self-release his debut full-length VIMS. Out this past spring, VIMS’ eight tracks of pristine ambient, electronica, IDM, and experimental pop take the listener through a journey of personal discovery and growth. Inspired in part by the isolating effects of the pandemic and the artist’s struggles with self-worth, VIMS was a frank depiction of mental health. It also served as a reintroduction to the music scene at large for its principal artist, Sai Boddupalli. While known primarily as a rocker, Boddupalli has long harbored a love of electronic music, stressing the importance of releasing solo music that reflected the full berth of his influences during our chat on the Allston Pudding Discord in March.

By our estimation, the record’s centerpiece is “Bennetts”, a brief-but-tense snapshot of gurgling synths that builds tension before releasing into a scattering drum break, recalling Boards of Canada at their funkiest. It appears that Mercet agrees, as we are pleased to be premiering the song’s music video today on Allston Pudding. Director Austin Abbott and lighting tech Nick Surette treat “Bennetts” to a simple, but moving series of vignettes depicting its sole character weathering some sort of turmoil as he shuffles through the streets of Allston. It’s a perfectly enigmatic visual accompaniment to VIMS‘ tumultuous backstory. Plus, the idea of working something out on a solo jaunt down Harvard Ave is an act of which AP readers can surely relate.

Abbot had this to say about the video:

“I wanted to express what it’s like to look at yourself while life is still happening. We shot at a seedy motel with folks lurking outside the window wondering what we were doing, in the basement of a hair salon and on some streets. Our actor Eric DuRant was amazing at being open to ambiguous directing that was more about finding an emotion rather than specific actions. I think the video came together wonderfully and really feels like it matches [well] with Sai’s beautiful music.”

Mercet’s debut album VIMS is out now. You can catch him opening for Kelly Lee Owens at The Sinclair on Monday September 13th, tickets on sale right here.