If I Die First have come full circle. With a dream lineup consisting of veterans from the alternative rap and post-hardcore scenes, the Los Angeles-based outfit offers a carefully crafted experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. After years of creating forward-thinking alternative rap heavily influenced by emo and post-hardcore groups like Saosin, Senses Fail, Alexisonfire, and Armor for Sleep, If I Die First was formed in early 2020 by vocalist Lotus, guitarist/vocalist Nedarb, and pianist/vocalist Zubin in an effort to return to their roots of performing in live bands. To complete the lineup they tapped guitarist/vocalist Travis Richter and drummer Derek Bloom of the legendary emo band From First to Last. 
 Quickly tracking their debut project, My Poison Arms, during quarantine, If I Die First released the EP independently in July. With explosive vocals, churning breakdowns, and melodic riffs, My Poison Arms sees the band at their most diverse. Intro “no serenity” is a viciously unforgiving metalcore track; “burying a parent” is a brutally cathartic display of screamo, while “i will never let them hurt u” is a powerful acoustic love ballad. 
 Wasting no time, If I Die First are already working on their second EP (to drop early 2021). 
 - Jack Angell