Heated rivalryTV adaptation by Nova Scotia author Out of print book by Rachel Reidconquered the Internet.
The show follows two closeted major league hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who are pitted against each other from the moment they are drafted. Their rivalry is laced with sexual tension and obsession as they begin a secret affair while pretending to despise each other in public. Wild antics ensue, but rampant homophobia in their sport – and in Rozanov's native Russia – permeates their stilted and stunted relationship.
Aside from all the sex and angst, much of the show's focus is on the fact that it Made in CanadaWritten and Directed by Jacob TierneyLetterkenny, Shoresea) and produced by Crave.
From the show smaller budgetfrom the casting to the musical choices, many aspects of this film feel uniquely Canadian. Fans even took it upon ourselves to remind other viewers that while the film is licensed to HBO Max for distribution in the US and Australia, this is not an HBO show.
Besides Trent Reznor and Atticus RossThe music, in a style that highlights all the tension (and passion) between the two rivals, is accompanied by a variety of Canadian songs at key moments in the show.
According to Spotify Canada, the number of streaming services reflects the craze: Numerous tracks from prominent Canadian artists “jumped tens of thousands of percent in streams and thousands of new playlists were added in a matter of days”—most notably Feist and Wolf Parade, whose songs surged 1,500 percent and 2,650 percent, respectively, after the episodes in which they were featured.
From 2010s indie favorites to Haitian comp bangers, here's everything new from Cancon in season one Heated rivalry.
Spoiler alert: Below are links to major plot points from the series.
Silion, Feist
WATCH | Feist performs Sealion on the album Later… with Jools Holland:
Feist's 2007 track Silion plays as Shane anxiously prepares for his first date with Ilya. Silion This is a cover of a Nina Simone song See-Line Woman, and his frantic riffs and handclaps reflect Shane's anxiety.
Beautiful day, Dumas
WATCH | Official video for the song “A Perfect Day” by Dumas:
Cheerful and bouncy Perfect day Quebec singer-songwriter Dumas provides the soundtrack to the aftermath of Shane and Ilya's first date, as well as Shane's descent into the “YouTube rabbit hole” of watching Ilya's interviews.
Chelsea my love, Philip B.
WATCH | Audio for “Chelsea My Love” by Philip B:
The song playing in Shane's headphones as he texts Ilya after his team's disappointing loss at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi is a moving love song by Montreal singer Philippe B. Chelsea my love.
I'll believe anything, Wolf Parade
WATCH | Official video of Wolf Parade “I'll Believe in Anything”:
Wolf Parade I'll believe in anything endpapers The story of Scott Hunter (Francois Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.), from the moment before they meet at a New York smoothie shop to their stunning kiss on the ice after Scott wins the Stanley Cup.
Scott, a veteran of newcomers Shane and Ilya, is a supporting character who also hid his true nature from the public until his love for Kip pushed him to finally show the world. When the song is played a second time at the end of the fifth episode, its hopeful chorus finally comes true: “We were both very brave… / fought on that terrible day… / but I will believe in anything.”
Your body, night lunch
WATCH | Audio recording for the film “Your Body for Evening Dinner”:
Montreal band Night Lunch's Your body plays in the background as Kip and his emotional support friend Elena talk about their budding crush on Scott.
Light, Alpha Rococo
WATCH | Official video of Lumiere from Alfa Rococo:
Bright synths and soaring vocals from Quebec duo Alfa Rococo. Light is heard as a montage of Scott and Kip's rosy cohabitation plays out – before the tides turn in the lovers' favor.
My moon, my man, Feist
WATCH | Official video for the song My Moon My Man by Feist:
Feist's second needle drop in the series occurs at the beginning of Episode 4, when a two-year time jump illustrates how Shane and Illya become increasingly entangled. Scenes of them training, playing against each other, sleeping together and anticipating the next time they'll sleep together happen in quick succession. My Moon, My Man jumps forward. Shane is growing tired of all the expectations placed on his shoulders as Ilya becomes fed up with all the distractions (partying, drinking, sex) that once excited him.
Serenity, Souljazz Orchestra
WATCH | Audio for Serenity by Souljazz Orchestra:
Soothing melodies Serenity Ottawa band Souljazz Orchestra contrasts with Shane's tense conversation with his parents about not wanting to attend Wimbledon, which is really about him wanting to regain some autonomy in his life.
Remember Lou Phelps
WATCH | Lou Phelps performs You Remember on Colors:
An introspective downtempo rap song by Lou Phelp. Do you remember plays in the background during Shane's first meeting with popular actress Rose Landry (Sophie Nélisse), when they realize everything they have in common.
After all, Richie Jay with Ekaysounds
WATCH | Sound for En dedans by Richie Jay:
Caribbean rhythms by Haitian Canadian artist Richy Jay's Inside Also soundtrack Shane's conversation with Rose as they begin to flirt a little. Another Richie Jay song From head to toe, plays when Shane walks into the bar.
Solutions to my sadness: non-essential oils
WATCH | Lyric video for Solutions to My Gloom by Unessential Oils:
When Shane finally opens up to Rose, the awkwardly tender moment is softened by buoyant optimism. Solutions to my sadness from Montreal singer Unessential Oils aka Warren Spicer. Jessica Charlie Taking care of beauty also plays at the end of their conversation.
Oh my bride, deadly snakes
WATCH | Audio for the song Oh My Bride by Deadly Snakes:
2010 track by Toronto band Deadly Snakes Oh my bride plays in a moment of comic relief in the locker room where Ilya is trying to inspire his team to beat Shane's team by bribing them with $1,000 for every goal they score.
Bonnie, An Absolute Pleasure
WATCH | Official Bonnie video from Absolute Treat:
During a phone call with a recovering Shane, Rose, in hair and makeup, transforms into a shape-shifting creature to the psychedelic new track from Toronto band Absolute Treat. Bonnie plays.
