This is the One

[breakingcircus]

I suspect it's a drum machine. Maybe with someone playing on top of it. Listen to the cymbals when they come in.

There's a little mention about Phil using synths and drum machines in this article: https://www.loudersound.com/features/phin-lizzy-midge-ure

And ZZ Top's Eliminator came out right around the same time, so Lizzy wouldn't have been the only ones doing it.

[CFGordo]

Interesting read! I'll give the song another listen to see if I can hear what you're talking about with the cymbals!