Alongside Models, Little Murders and The Jetsonnes, International Exiles were one of the first bands to rise out of Melbourne's Punk/New Wave explosion. Formed by Fiction ex-member Rob Wellington in 1979, the band issued two singles in 1980. The first, 'Miniskirts in Moscow', was shared as one side of a double sided gig giveaway 7" with The Jestsonnes (soon to split up and reform as Hunters & Collectors). The track was a cover Welligton discovered in a second hand record shop and rearranged. Their close friend Groper (real name Steven Colgan), sound engineer for much of the scene, recorded it in a bedroom. The second, 'Let's Be Sophisticated'/'Note to Roger', came out on the Missing Link label, with The Boys Next Door/Birthday Party being the only other act signed to the label at the time. 'Let's Be Sophisticated' sat at the top of the Indy charts for a few weeks but the band split up before recording anything more tracks.

International Exiles lineup included: Laine McCready - Vocals, Rob Wellington - Guitars, Adam Learner - Bass, Andy Callandar - Keyboards/Vocals, David Adams - Drums (Paul Hester was also an original member).