The word ‘seminal’ is thrown around a lot. But over the past decade, if ever the term was appropriate, it would be when describing Moon Safari, AIR’s debut album.

Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel formed AIR in Paris in 1995 and took their name from amour, imagination, reve (love, imagination, dream). While the AIR sound revolves around the core of Godin and Dunckel, the pair have always enlisted the help of high-profile guests, including Beth Hirsch, Phoenix vocalist Thomas Mars and Beck.

Released in 1998, Moon Safari pulled electronic, lounge and psychedelic influences to define the sound the duo would soon be renowned for. With huge hits in the form of Sexy Boy and Kelly Watch the Stars, Moon Safari won AIR respect from the critics as well as fans of pop and dance music.

In 2000, Air followed up the successes of Moon Safari with the soundtrack to Sophia Coppola film The Virgin Suicides. Though the album was largely instrumental, Playground Love, its one single, remains one of the band’s most-loved songs.

The following year, Godin and Dunckel returned with 10,000 Hz Legend, a more synthetic record when compared to their first two efforts. The album features striking Stephen Hawking-esque vocals on How Does it Make You Feel? as well as guest appearances from Beck on The Vagabond and Don’t Be Light.

After 10,000 Hz Legend, AIR settled on Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) as co-producer and for Talkie Walkie (2003). The relationship continued on current album Pocket Symphony (2007), which features the vocal talents of Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) and Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy).