Organisation

Introduction to Tone Float

Tone Float is the sole studio album by the German ensemble Organisation, released in August 1970 on RCA Victor. The album was made available exclusively in the UK and features a blend of experimental Krautrock and proto-electronic music. Organisation, whose full name translates to "Organisation for the Realization of Shared Music Concepts," consisted of core members Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, who later founded Kraftwerk.

Musical Composition

The album comprises five tracks that explore a variety of soundscapes. The title track, "Tone Float," is a 20-minute improvisational piece that occupies an entire side of the vinyl. This track showcases hypnotic flute drones and swirling organ swells. The remaining songs, including "Milk Rock," "Silver Forest," "Rhythm Salad," and "Noitasinagro"—a reverse spelling of the band’s name—further develop the ensemble's experimental sound. The use of percussion, both tribal and freeform, adds to the album's diverse auditory experience.

Recording Process

Tone Float was recorded in 1969 and 1970 at Studio Rhenus, located in Godorf, near Cologne. The studio's proximity to an oil refinery created a unique atmosphere for the recording sessions. Conny Plank, a prominent figure in the German music scene, co-produced and engineered the album, contributing to its distinctive sound. The instrumentation includes not only the Hammond organ and various flutes but also glockenspiel, congas, and unconventional percussion instruments.

Legacy of Organisation

Despite the album's limited release, it played a role in the evolution of electronic music. Soon after the release of Tone Float, Hütter and Schneider departed to create their own Kling Klang Studio, ultimately leading to the formation of Kraftwerk. This shift marked a significant moment in the development of electronic music in the 1970s.

Release Details

Tone Float was released on vinyl as an LP, catalog number SF 8111. The album's blending of acoustic and electronic elements laid groundwork for future genres. It is a notable example of the experimental nature of Krautrock and its influence on subsequent music movements.