LP version. Emile Sornin has a robot in his life. It's not love, but it's not friendship either, and Forever Pavot is releasing an album documenting the affair on Born Bad. After a bunch of bold pop studio albums and a small stack of soundtracks, Emile needed a break. To put an end to it, he embarked with handyman extraordinaire Jonas Euvremer on the manufacture of an automaton destined to make his musician's life easier. Melchior, who gave his name to the record, has the face of a ventriloquist's dummy, two plastic left hands, preppy clothes and a primitive logic circuit. This goodie two-shoes cousin of Bender's is supposed to be doing the interviews and deal with socials for Emile. The plan worked admirably: Melchior is a perfect cover-boy, and his very existence has put our man back to work. They set a path for phat electronic ventures (and by the way, mostly English-speaking). Sub- continental bass and massive drums, heavy-footed and unabashed: as much appreciated as unexpected. The half-android shares songwriting credits and vocal parts vocoded to perfection. Not a jealous lad, Melchior makes way for a guest of choice on "UFO" and "Waiting for the sign": Lispector. Julie Margat sings and collaborated on the lyrics for these two bangers that provide a lot of context (robot angst is real). Kumisolo also sent her "Postcard", more vapor than song, unreal musical cotton candy of arrangements. Domotic, who mixes and co-produces, gives a nice spin to "Count to 10," a hip-hop/kraut crossover with a BEAK> flavor. The Forever Pavot, once a big-band, will be touring as a bass/ drums/keys and vocals trio, with Melchior as guest. Record after record, Emile Sornin has become an increasingly literate musical illiterate. When needed, his music can still become a thicket of ancient and modern finds. Forever Pavot may have gone wild, but remains indebted vis-a`-vis the golden age of film music. Forebears deluxe Ennio Morricone and Franc,ois de Roubaix make Hitchcock-style cameos: discreet appearances that you'll watch out for. His new flirt is all but a toxic relationship. Melchior Vol. 1: the robo-bromance is not over yet.