Unessential Oils is the search for something authentic. Bits and pieces of Warren Spicer’s life – traumas and weaknesses, successes and breakthroughs, moments of clarity and enlightenment mixed with the mundane and menial. The weight of grief and anger imposed on the joy and ecstatic freedom of new life. “I wanted to expose truths and realities inside myself, and not create illusions and beautiful places in which to hide and conceal myself. It’s the opposite of escapism, it’s about the feeling of home and safety and welcoming people into my world,” explains Warren. The result is an album that is somewhat like a jazz record in that it focuses on the musicians’ performances. Many of the songs are quite minimal in terms of songwriting, but the execution and the musicianship are at the heart of this album; they are adventurous with room for embellishment and improvisation. “I made the record in a way where I was pursuing the sounds and voices of people I wanted and loved. I tried to make them sound even more Iike themselves, I wanted their instincts, I wanted what they sounded like when they weren’t being recorded. I wanted joy and warmth while we worked. I cooked a lot during the sessions, and we lived well. We became a family. The atmosphere was laid back and exciting.” The microphones were turned up loud and everyone played quietly, complementing Warren’s vocals, which are more conversational in terms of range and volume, almost under-sung. The four backup singers are singing in unison – a hat tip to the backing-vocal style in Brazilian Tropicalía records – gently enveloping the lead vocals.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Jay Som Belong (White)
Polyvinyl Records
October 10, 2025 -
Molly Tuttle So Long Little Miss Sunshine
Nonesuch
August 15, 2025 -
Jon Batiste BIG MONEY (Silver)
Verve/Interscope
August 22, 2025 -
John Fogerty Legacy: the Creedence Clearwater Revival years [2xLP]
Concord Records
August 22, 2025 -
Joan Shelley Real Warmth
No Quarter
September 19, 2025 -
Richard Ashcroft Natural Rebel (Blue)
Bmg Int'l
September 26, 2025 -
Old Dominion Barbara
Sony Music Nashville
August 22, 2025 -
Bloc Party Silent Alarm (Box Set)
Pias America
September 26, 2025 -
Sam Prekop Open Close
Thrill Jockey Records
September 26, 2025 -
Chris Stapleton Traveller (Coke Bottle Clear; Amazon Exclusive) [2xLP]
Mercury Nashville
August 22, 2025 -
Powerwolf Wildlive Live at Olympiahalle [2xLP]
Napalm Records
March 6, 2026 -
Winter Adult Romantix
Winspear
August 22, 2025 -
Signs of the Swarm To Rid Myself Of Truth (Silver)
Century Media Int'l
August 29, 2025 -
Manegarm Edsvuren
Napalm Records
August 29, 2025