Not the best of weeks for up and coming New Zealand popsters RYAN MCPHUN & THE RUBY SUNS. After a fantastic SXSW appearance, the band were halfway through their US tour when, en route to Seattle, their RV (nicknamed Harvey) burst into flames. A passing motorist flagged the band down, and they were able to get the RV to the side of the road and escape unharmed before the RV became engulfed.

The bad news, however, is that every worldly possession the band had with them on the road -- equipment, instruments, clothes, food, passports -- all burned up, leaving them basically stranded stateside, waiting to see what if anything their insurance will cover.

The band are one of our new favorites, and this couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of people. The group's label, Lil Chief Records, has set up a donation page here.

We strongly urge anyone with a few extra Paypal bucks to give what you can to help these guys out. In the meantime, you can check out the group's MySpace page to hear their music and see some pics of the blaze.