She had previously been involved with Rubeo, which released a 7" on feminist label Mr. Lady in 1998. Des Ark began in 2001 as a full band but eventually sized down to the duo of Argote and drummer Tim Herzog (also of Milemarker). Exotic Fever Records released a split 7" with Bellafea in October 2004, followed in 2005 by the first full-length, Loose Lips Sink Ships, through Bifocal Media/Bakery Outlet Records. The latter was recorded by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. Herzog left the band in September 2005, leaving Argote to continue touring and recording as Des Ark. In early 2007, Lovitt issued a split CD with Ben Davis, Battle of the Beards. ~ Kenyon Hopkin